Determination of the Variation of the Geometric and Dynamic Parameters of the Floodplain Vegetation

Abstract

Floodplain vegetation is characterized by its ability to resist deformation and destruction and to deform elastically and plastically under the influence of external mechanical forces. The force of water that presses on the plant induces stress and deformation in it, but once the force is removed, the elastic properties of the vegetation return it to its original state. It regains its original size, shape, and volume. In this paper, the deflection arrow was analysed based on the field tests conducted, and then the modulus of elasticity of natural shrub vegetation was determined. Measurements were made at different plant heights. Analysis was carried out at different growing periods to estimate the variation of plant elasticity with growth, development, and season. The results confirm the loss of flexibility during winter for all the shrubs analysed. Based on the measurements carried out, the elastic modulus E of the shoots was estimated. The average modulus of elasticity ranged from about 2100 to about 4000 MPa and showed high variability, reaching even µ = 50%, both within a given shrub and depending on the measurement season. The results presented here indicate a high natural variability of mechanical parameters even within the same plant.