Volume change behavior of root-permeated soils under partially saturated conditions

Abstract

Vegetation, particularly roots, serves different functions in relation to increased shear strength under saturated and partially saturated conditions. Quantification of mechanical contribution of roots due to their tensile strength, and relationships of various vegetation parameters and plant-induced suction, as well as shear strength, have been widely studied. Although shear strength is directly related to the volume change characteristics of soil, dilative or contractive behaviour of root-permeated soils has not been of significant interest so far. This study investigates how volume change during shearing is related to the hydrological and mechanical characteristics of vegetated soils relevant to slope stability and shear strength of root-permeated soils under partially saturated conditions. Direct shear tests, on specimens planted with a mixture of species from different plant functional groups, were performed with an Inclinable Large-scale Direct Shear Apparatus (ILDSA). Matric suctions were monitored throughout the test with tensiometers. Vertical and horizontal displacement graphs were plotted to investigate the volume change behaviour. Maximum dilatancy angle was found to be positively correlated with plant-induced suction and net normalised stress, both of which were linked to root biomass and the root:shoot ratio. It was found that maximum dilatancy is controlled by matric suction and net normal stress.