Effect of vegetation on stability of soil slopes: Numerical aspect

Abstract

Soil bioengineering makes use of living plants to enhance soil stability against erosion and failure. Its practice is strongly dominated by empiricism. Recently much effort has been made towards quantifying soil bioengineering measures. This paper provides a critical review of the numerical modelling of some soil bioengineering measures. We discuss the application of the numerical methods including the finite element method and the limit equilibrium method for the composite of soil-plant root. A detailed review of the mechanical and hydrological models for the complex interaction between soil, plant, water and atmosphere is provided.