Scaling of plant roots for geotechnical centrifuge tests using juvenile live roots or 3D printed analogues

T. Liang, J. A. Knappett, G. J. Meijer, D. Muir Wood, A. G. Bengough, A. G. Bengough, K. W. Loades, P. D. Hallett

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingPublished conference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Geotechnical centrifuge modelling of vegetated slopes requires appropriately scaled plant roots. Recent studies have independently suggested that juvenile live plants or 3D printing to fabricate root analogues could potentially produce representative prototype model root systems. This paper presents a critical comparison of juvenile versus 3D printed approaches in terms of their representation of root mechanical properties, root morphology and distribution of the additional shear strength generated by the roots with depth. For the 3D printing technique, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic material was used, while for live plants, three species (Willow, Gorse and Festulolium grass), corresponding to distinct plant group functional types (tree, shrub and grass), were considered. The tensile strength andYoung’s modulus of the ‘roots’were collected from uniaxial tension tests and shear strength data of rooted soil samples was collected in direct shear. The prototype root characteristics as modelled were then compared with published results for field grown species and the benefits and challenges of using these two modelling approaches is discussed. Finally, some recommendations on realistically modelling plant root systems in centrifuge tests are given.

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)
EditorsAndrew McNamara, Sam Divall, Richard Goodey, Neil Taylor, Sarah Stallebrass, Jignasha Panchal
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Chapter56
Pages401-406
Number of pages6
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)9780429797682
ISBN (Print)9781138559752
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
Event9th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, ICPMG 2018 - London, United Kingdom
Duration: 17 Jul 201820 Jul 2018

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, ICPMG 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period17/07/1820/07/18

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