Modification of a Flexible Reinforcement Model for Root-Soil Complexes Based on the Growth Period

Vetiver root-soil complexes were utilized, and direct shear tests as well as root weight density (RMD) measurement experiments were conducted on these complexes at the different depths h and growth periods (t), ranging from 1 to 16 months. RMD, different over growth periods and depths, was analyzed for its impact on the shear strength increments. The experimental results demonstrated that the variation rules of the shear strength increments and RMD with respect to the growth periods (t) were essentially identical. With RMD at its core, a meticulous examination of the flexible reinforcement model has been undertaken, combined with an empirical understanding of RMD’s evolution over time (t), we’ve crafted an enhanced flexible reinforcement model. This model includes growth periods (t) and depths (h) as critical parameters, thereby offering a comprehensive depiction of the dynamic impact of plant root systems on soil reinforcement across different stages of development and depths. The established model was employed to calculate and analyze the shear strength increments for the different growth periods (t) and depths (h), which were compared and analyzed against the experimental outcomes. The results indicate that both the measured and model-calculated shear strength increments exhibit a largely consistent of trend over different growth periods (t). The measured shear strength increment is all within the range predicted by the new calculation model, thereby indicating that the model calculation method is reasonable.