Physical modelling of soil-structure interaction of tree root systems under lateral loads

Xingyu Zhang (Lead / Corresponding author), Jonathan Knappett, Anthony Leung, Teng Liang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Citations (Scopus)
222 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper presents some initial physical modelling of root-soil interaction for trees under lateral loading, such as from wind or debris flows. 3-D printing of interconnected systems of ABS plastic root analogues, which are mechanically representative of tree roots, is used to produce idealised root architectures with varying root depth, spread and root area ratio (RAR, i.e. amount of roots). These models are installed within a granular soil with a wooden model trunk attached and laterally loaded to measure the push-over behaviour. From this data, the moment capacity and rotational stiffness of the model root systems are evaluated. The results suggest that (i) the effect of the central tap root on strength and stiffness is low, compared to the lateral and sinker roots, but otherwise proportional to RAR; and (ii) that development of analytical predictive models may be able to adapt existing procedures for conventional geotechnical systems, such as pile groups.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhysical Modelling in Geotechnics
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 9th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG 2018), July 17-20, 2018, London, United Kingdom
EditorsAndrew McNamara, Sam Divall, Richard Goodey
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Pages481-486
Number of pages6
Volume1
ISBN (Print)978-1-138-34419-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Oct 2018
Event9th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geoetchnics - City University, London, United Kingdom
Duration: 17 Jul 201820 Jul 2018

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geoetchnics
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period17/07/1820/07/18

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