TY - GEN
T1 - Integration of geometrical root system approximations in hydromechanical slope stability modelling
AU - Schmaltz, Elmar
AU - Van Beek, Rens V.
AU - Bogaard, Thom
AU - Steger, Stefan
AU - Glade, Thomas
PY - 2017/1/1
Y1 - 2017/1/1
N2 - Spatially distributed physically based slope stability models are commonly used to assess landslide susceptibility of hillslope environments. Several of these models are able to account for vegetation related effects, such as evapotranspiration, interception and root cohesion, when assessing slope stability. However, particularly spatial information on the subsurface biomass or root systems is usually not represented as detailed as hydropedo- logical and geomechanical parameters. Since roots are known to influence slope stability due to hydrological and mechanical effects, we consider a detailed spatial representation as important to elaborate slope stability by means of physically based models. STARWARS/PROBSTAB, developed by Van Beek (2002), is a spatially distributed and dynamic slope stability model that couples a hydrological (STARWARS) with a geomechanical component (PROBSTAB). The infinite slope-based model is able to integrate a variety of vegetation related parameters, such as evaporation, interception capacity and root cohesion. In this study, we test two different approaches to integrate root cohesion forces into STARWARS/PROBSTAB. Within the first approach, the spatial distribution of root cohesion is directly related to the spatial distribution of land use areas classified as forest. Thus, each pixel within the forest class is defined by a distinct species related root cohesion value where the potential maximum rooting depth is only dependent on the respective species. The second method represents a novel approach that approximates the rooting area based on the location of single tree stems. Maximum rooting distance from the stem, maximum depth and shape of the root system relate to both tree species and external influences such as relief or soil properties. The geometrical cone-shaped approximation of the root system is expected to represent more accurately the area where root cohesion forces are apparent. Possibilities, challenges and limitations of approximating species-related root systems in infinite slope models are discussed.
AB - Spatially distributed physically based slope stability models are commonly used to assess landslide susceptibility of hillslope environments. Several of these models are able to account for vegetation related effects, such as evapotranspiration, interception and root cohesion, when assessing slope stability. However, particularly spatial information on the subsurface biomass or root systems is usually not represented as detailed as hydropedo- logical and geomechanical parameters. Since roots are known to influence slope stability due to hydrological and mechanical effects, we consider a detailed spatial representation as important to elaborate slope stability by means of physically based models. STARWARS/PROBSTAB, developed by Van Beek (2002), is a spatially distributed and dynamic slope stability model that couples a hydrological (STARWARS) with a geomechanical component (PROBSTAB). The infinite slope-based model is able to integrate a variety of vegetation related parameters, such as evaporation, interception capacity and root cohesion. In this study, we test two different approaches to integrate root cohesion forces into STARWARS/PROBSTAB. Within the first approach, the spatial distribution of root cohesion is directly related to the spatial distribution of land use areas classified as forest. Thus, each pixel within the forest class is defined by a distinct species related root cohesion value where the potential maximum rooting depth is only dependent on the respective species. The second method represents a novel approach that approximates the rooting area based on the location of single tree stems. Maximum rooting distance from the stem, maximum depth and shape of the root system relate to both tree species and external influences such as relief or soil properties. The geometrical cone-shaped approximation of the root system is expected to represent more accurately the area where root cohesion forces are apparent. Possibilities, challenges and limitations of approximating species-related root systems in infinite slope models are discussed.
KW - Physical based modelling
KW - Root system approximation
KW - Slope stability
KW - Soil reinforcement
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85037837163&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-319-53483-1_35
DO - 10.1007/978-3-319-53483-1_35
M3 - Conference contribution
SN - 9783319534824
VL - 5
T3 - Advancing Culture of Living with Landslides
SP - 301
EP - 308
BT - Landslides in Different Environments
A2 - Mikoš, Matjaž
A2 - Arbanas, Željko
A2 - Yin, Yueping
PB - Springer
T2 - Workshop on World Landslide Forum
Y2 - 29 May 2017 through 2 June 2017
ER -