Hydro-Mechanical Influence of Vegetation for Slope Stability: A Scaled Physical Modelling Approach
Hydro-Mechanical Influence of Vegetation for Slope Stability: A Scaled Physical Modelling Approach
This experimental study investigates the influence of vegetation on the hydro-mechanical behaviour of fine-grained soils, intending to assess how evapotranspiration and suction processes contribute to slope stability. A scaled physical model was constructed using kaolin as the base soil and balsa wood as a root analogue, enabling controlled reproduction of vegetation effects on the soil matrix. The experimental design considered variables such as the number of trees, leaf area, root depth, and wind-exposure duration to identify the most effective configurations for moisture redistribution. Periodic measurements of suction and water content were taken throughout the soil profile, accompanied by comparative analyses to evaluate the role of each variable. The results show that simulated vegetation configuration adopted in this study (balsa wood as a root analogue in kaolin) modifies surface moisture conditions and induces suction gradients that enhance soil strength. While the magnitude of this effect depends on plant type and soil characteristics, the findings demonstrate that, under the controlled conditions tested, vegetation can represent a sustainable and non-invasive strategy for improving slope stability. The study also provides a replicable experimental framework for future research based on scaled physical modelling.
Adieth Zambrano; Bernardo Caicedo
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 1: New facilities, new equipment, and measuring techniques
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-181