Study on Mechanical Characteristics of Living Stumps and Reinforcement Mechanisms of Slopes

Xueliang Jiang, Wenjie Liu (), Hui Yang, Haodong Wang () and Zhenyu Li
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Xueliang Jiang: School of Civil and Engineering Management, Guangzhou Maritime University, Guangzhou 501725, China
Wenjie Liu: School of Civil Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410018, China
Hui Yang: School of Civil and Engineering Management, Guangzhou Maritime University, Guangzhou 501725, China
Haodong Wang: School of Civil Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410018, China
Zhenyu Li: School of Civil Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410018, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: As a novel technology for slope protection, living stumps have demonstrated the ability to significantly enhance slope stability. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of living-stump root systems and their reinforcement mechanisms on slopes through three-dimensional modeling tests. Using ABS materials, a 3D model of a living elm stump was created via 3D printing; this was followed by slope model testing. The reinforcement mechanisms of living stumps were examined through a combination of model testing and numerical simulation. The results reveal that the presence of living stumps in the lower and middle sections of a slope causes the maximum-shear-stress zone of the soil to shift deeper. The stress distribution around the living stump is notably improved owing to the lateral root system. Living stumps positioned in the lower part of the slope intersect the potential sliding surface, gradually transferring soil shear stress to the root system through root–soil interactions. Furthermore, the tap roots and lateral roots of living stumps form a robust spatial network that can collectively withstand soil shear stress, thereby enhancing slope stability.

Keywords: living stump; slope model test; three-dimensional root; mechanical characteristics; slope reinforcement mechanism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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