Stability analysis of slopes along roads in bio-reinforced soil conditions

Abstract

Root system has ability to stabilize slopes, improving physical and mechanical properties of soil on which it develops. Morphology and tendency of root system to compose soil particles into one monolithic mass, which we call bio-reinforced soil, contribute to increasing the resistance of soil to shearing. In this paper, is presents a comparative analysis of slope stability along roads without and with the influence of root system. The analyzes were made for the needs of defense of roads, finding most optimal types of root system as an alternative solution for stabilization of the slopes along roads. Оn the slope model was simulated influence of four groups of vegetation, based on morphology of root system (plate, heart, tap and undefined). For each selected species, value of root cohesion (cr) has been adopted. Software for geotechnical numerical modeling-GeoStudio 2007, was used for all slope stability analyzes. Analyzing stability of the slope model without influence of vegetation, slope is unstable. By calculating stability of slope model with vegetation groups, an increase in stability of the slope model is achieved. The greatest influence on stability of the slope model has group 2.- vegetation with a tap root system, followed by group 1. - with a heart root, while group 3, plate root, and group 4, undefined types of root system, gave at least the values. The results from this paper, represent a contribution to choice of solutions for stabilization of slopes along roads and the prevention of erosion processes.

Keywords

• root system
• root cohesion
• vegetation
• slope stability
• roads protection