Effects of roots and mycorrhizal fungi on the stability of slopes

A. Yildiz*, A. Askarinejad, F. Graf, C. Rickli, S. M. Springman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Heavy rainfall periods initiate not only floods and debris flows, but may also trigger shallow landslides on both scree and vegetated slopes. This has had serious consequences in recent years in Switzerland, causing considerable damage to infrastructure, ecosystem, goods and services, even loss of lives. Although vegetation provides significant improvement in stabilizing steep slopes, conventional slope stability analyses generally neglect this entirely. Moreover, mycorrhizal fungi associated with plants contribute to stability, too, by promoting plant, and particularly root growth, and by supporting soil aggregate formation, which results in a further increase in apparent cohesion. It is intended to quantify the effect of biological interventions on the stability of soil and slopes in this study. Specimens consisting of combinations of a tree (Alnus incana), legume (Trifolium pratense), and grass (Poa pratensis) were prepared to investigate the root reinforcement effect. Direct shear tests were conducted in an inclinable large-scale direct shear apparatus on specimens with and without roots, following a six month growth period. The results of some preliminary direct shear tests are presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSlopes and Geohazards
EditorsM.G. Winter, P.J.L. Eldred, D.G. Toll, D.M. Smith
PublisherICE Publishing
Pages1693-1698
Number of pages6
Volume4
ISBN (Electronic)9780727760678
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Event16th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 13 Sept 201517 Sept 2015
Conference number: 16

Conference

Conference16th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
Abbreviated titleECSMGE 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period13/09/1517/09/15

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