Systematic evaluation of tensile strength for natural and synthetic plant roots for soil reinforcement applications

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4. Systematic evaluation of tensile strength for natural and synthetic plant roots for soil reinforcement applications

Plant roots contribute to improving the slope stability; however, their large variability affects how they interact mechanically with the surrounding soil. Additionally, their anatomical structure also influences their mechanical properties like tensile strength, a key parameter in rooted soil. In this study, the tensile strength of Salix sp. roots from 90-day indoor pot experiments were evaluated at four different dehydration periods. These results informed the selection of suitable synthetic materials, which included polylactic acid (PLA), and ultraviolet value tough (T) and flex (F) resins, varied into three resin matrices of 100 TF, 80/20 TF, and 50/50 TF. The tensile strength of natural roots increased from 8.6 MPa to 12.0 MPa with drying time, while mean stele strength increased from 21.3 MPa to 26.7 MPa. In comparison, the average tensile strengths of the respective synthetic resin blends were 44 MPa, 38 MPa, 34 MPa, and 21 MPa. The validation of the tensile strength for 50/50 TF using ASTM D 638-22 yielded 24.7 MPa which further closely mimicked the stele strength properties. This study provided insights into designing synthetic root to effectively replicate natural roots for various geotechnical tests.

3rd International Workshop on Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere Interaction (RootS2025)

2a. Experimental laboratory characterisation of the multiscale bio-hydro-chemo-mechanical behaviour of rooted soils