Effect of different vegetation roots on mechanical properties of soil stabilization on slope

Abstract

Soil bioengineering is concerned with the soil stabilisation with the reinforcing agent such as plant roots. This approach is extensively popular in developing countries. Most of the study conducted on soil bioengineering is carried out by ecological researchers, whereas there have been few geotechnical research studies in India that focus on using plant roots for reinforcing purposes. This research aims to investigate the changes in soil strength caused by landslides. The soil will be stabilised using plant roots from regionally common plants in the study region. The lemon roots were collected and planted in the soil, and the alterations in geotechnical properties were investigated. The reinforcing process can result in an increase in the values of MDD, UCS, SS, and OMC due to the improved compaction of soil particles. It was found that as the percentage of plant root added to the soil increases, the MDD, UCS, SS, and OMC also increases until 1% of plant root was added by weight. After that point, these properties decreases. Hence, the most favourable proportion for soil stabilisation is 1% of plant root by weight to the soil. Thus the presence of plant roots in the soil matrix enhanced the soil's stability. Therefore, the plant roots that were examined can serve as cost-effective materials for enhancing slope stability,” particularly in places that are susceptible to landslides.