ABSTRACT
Landslides and slope instability pose serious threat to lives and infrastructure. Nature-based solutions, such as using plant roots for soil stabilization, offer environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives. This paper aims to study the mechanical attributes of plant roots in soil stabilization by considering root-soil interaction. Out of various grass species, Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) has deeper roots and resilience to harsh climate. This study identifies the mechanical improvement of Vetiver roots on laterite soil by conducting triaxial test to determine cohesion and angle of internal friction on root-soil composites and tensile test on Vetiver roots. The tensile test is conducted using fibre tensile testing apparatus. This paper focuses on quantifying the effect of plant roots on mechanical behaviour of two different soils by conducting shear test on reaching 30, 70, 120 and 240 days’ growth period. The results aim to support the implementation of sustainable slope stabilization strategies in landslide-prone areas.
