Geotechnical site investigation of vegetated slopes

Wint, J., 2005. Geotechnical site investigation of vegetated slopes. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Vegetation on a slope has been shown to affect the geotechnical and hydrogeological properties of that slope, and thus may contribute to slope stability. However, vegetation is rarely quantified or taken into account during geotechnical site investigation and subsequent design. This is in part is due to an awareness of the variability associated with vegetation, but is also due to a lack of understanding of how the vegetation may contribute to slope stability, what parameters may be quantified to characterise the contribution and the optimum techniques for obtaining said data. The interaction of vegetation with its environment is both complex and dynamic, varying on a seasonal and annual basis, and as such an assessment of the contribution to slope stability must be considered over the long term. Therefore, a framework for the geotechnical site investigation of vegetated slopes has been developed by completion of a cross disciplinary study; conducted to identify the relevant parameters and techniques available to quantify the parameters required for slope stability analysis, incorporating the contribution of vegetation to slope stability.

Fieldwork was undertaken to evaluate the appropriateness of the techniques available to quantify the vegetation and its contribution to shear resistance. The heterogeneity and variability of the soil and roots means that the in situ shear box and root pull out tests should be considered as index tests which impacts on the relevance of the data obtained. Laboratory work conducted revealed the soil root composite analysis is affected by sample disturbance induced during sampling, while individual root analysis is affected by the storage of the samples i.e. dehydration of the roots. Finally, following evaluation and assessment of the relevant parameters and techniques, a tiered approach for the geotechnical site investigation of a vegetated slope was developed, which optimises the determination of parameters for characterising a vegetated slope.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Wint, J.
Date:	2005
ISBN:	9781369315929
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10183387 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	22 Sep 2020 14:21
Last Modified:	16 Aug 2023 10:30
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/40884

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