Mechanical and hydraulic effects of deep roots planting on slope stability

Slope vegetation is currently finding wide applications all over the world to mitigate erosive phenomena and improve slope stability. An innovative natural technology for slope protection has been recently developed in Italy; this uses only natural perennial grass plants with deep roots and allows operating in different climatic areas. The technology appears promising with regard to shallow slope instability. The mechanical effects of vegetation result from the root/soil interaction processes, while the hydraulic effects derive from the reduction of soil water content enhanced by plant transpiration and root uptake. An original model is proposed in the paper to take into account the mechanical effects on the soil shear strength; the main assumption of the model regards the function developed for the root area ratio. The research sets as a final goal the quantitative assessment of both mechanical and hydraulic effects induced by roots on slope stability.