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The main objective of this paper is to discuss the experimental and theoretical approaches developed by different researchers in order to understand and to evaluate the soil geosynthetic interaction under different loading conditions. In the paper, the soil-geosynthetic interaction in pullout, direct shear, and inclined plane tests under both static and cyclic loading is analyzed based on the different theoretical and experimental results carried out by the authors and also available in literature. For each type of test, the factors affecting test results and soil-geosynthetic interface behavior, the theoretical model developed to predict the interface resistance and mobilized friction, and the relevance of the interface parameters obtained through the different tests in the design and performance of geosynthetic reinforced earth structures are discussed in detail.Keywords Geosynthetic . Interaction . Design . Laboratory tests . Modeling Transp. Infrastruct. Geotech. (2014) Grain size corresponding to 85 % in weight of passing soil (mm)Maximum grain size (mm) DrRelative density (%) f Cyclic tensile load frequency (Hz)Force required to hold back the upper box (kN)Lower support minimum length along the displacement direction (m) L R Reinforcement length in the anchorage zone (m) L U Upper box minimum length along the displacement direction (m) n t Number of geogrid bearing members n tbNumber of nodes in a transversal element P b1Maximum pullout bearing force of a single isolated transverse member (kN/m) P bn Maximum pullout bearing force (kN/m) P

In Italy, since early times, the environmental aspects have always been a key issue on the design and the application. Consequently, the geosynthetic reinforced soil structures consist of vegetated face steep slopes. Furthermore, the use of vegetation has also been recognized and incorporated in engineering practice for erosion control and for stabilization of shallow slopes. Vegetation influences slope stability and erosion process by both mechanical effects and hydrological effects. In particular, in the paper, the mechanical effects of vegetation related to soil stabilization will be described. The purpose of this paper is to present the specific role of vegetation in soil reinforcement applications, by means of the analysis of the available literature on the (i) factors affecting root reinforcement of soil, (ii) experimental tests carried out on roots and on roots-soil system, and (iii) analytical and theoretical models. The erosion applications will not treated in this paper. The use of vegetation in civil engineering and landscape works has grown in importance, even if the specific design standard concerning the use of vegetation for slope stabilization is still under discussion. Therefore, design and management of stabilization systems by plants require an accurate knowledge about the quantitative reinforcing root effects on soil strength.

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