Root reinforcement: continuum framework for constitutive modelling

The mechanical contribution of plant roots to soil strength has typically been studied at the ultimate limit state only. Since many geotechnical problems are related serviceability, such as deformation infrastructure, a new constitutive modelling framework is introduced. rooted treated composite material with separate relationships for and roots, comprehensive stress–strain relationship root constituent presented. model compared direct shear experiments on field reinforced gorse, grass willow well an existing reinforcement based Winkler-spring supported beam theory. results show that both newly developed beam-type yield good predictions evolution root-reinforced function increasing displacements. Both successfully capture large deformations required reach peak reinforcement, reduction in due breakage presence significant even after very deformations, associated slippage. fibre models only require physically meaningful input parameters, they can be useful tools study mobilisation simulate response continuum-based numerical simulations.