Settlement behaviour of a soil due to artificial tree roots

Abstract

This paper presents experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) results with respect to the deformation behaviour of a sandy soil associated with an artificial rooting system. The mechanics of unsaturated soils is used as a tool in the interpretation of the results. The modulus of elasticity, H, associated with the matric suction was measured and used as a key input parameter in the FEA along with the soil–water characteristic curve. The FEA was carried out using the commercial finite element software SEEP/W and SIGMA/W. Comparisons are provided between the measured deformation and that predicted from the FEA. A reasonably good agreement is observed between the measured and predicted deformation behaviour. The study shows that the proposed FEA technique can be used as a tool to estimate the deformation behaviour in soils associated with tree-roots suction.