Impact of root distribution patterns on the elastic deformation resistance capacity and pore water development in root reinforced soil

Shallow soils are highly vulnerable to the combined impacts of various factors, including vehicle loading, precipitation, and groundwater. The slope soil at the roadside is inevitably subjected to long-term cyclic loading from traffic. Previous studies have demonstrated that ecological engineering measures can effectively mitigate soil deformation and reduce pore water pressure development, thereby preventing soil erosion and landslides. This study aims to investigate the influence of root distribution patterns on the elastic deformation and pore water pressure development trends in root reinforced soil by simulating cyclic traffic loading through dynamic triaxial tests. The study findings demonstrate that the presence of roots significantly enhances the soil's resistance to deformation. When the vertical root accounts for 25% (while the horizontal root accounts for 75%), experimental results indicate that the soil reinforced by roots exhibits minimal deformation and slower pore water development. Moreover, a parameter D is introduced to enhance the existing pore water pressure models with the increased coefficients of determination, thereby improving the applicability in root-reinforced soils. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing strength and liquefaction resistance in root reinforced soils while providing guiding research for the mechanical effects of root reinforcement of soil for ecological restoration of highway slopes.