It is well recognised that the inherent soil variability and the effect of vegetation, in particular the effect of tree root reinforcement, have a significant effect on the stability of a natural slope. However, in practice, these factors are not commonly considered in routine slope stability analysis. This is due mainly to the fact that the effects of soil variability and vegetation are complex and difficult to quantify. Furthermore, the available slope stability analysis computer programs used in practice, which adopt conventional limit equilibrium methods, are unable to consider these factors. To predict the stability of a natural slope more accurately, especially the marginally stable one, the effects of soil variability and vegetation needs to be taken into account. The research presented in this thesis focuses on investigating and quantifying the effects of soil variability and vegetation on the stability of natural slopes. The random finite element method (RFEM), developed by Griffiths and Fenton (2004), is adopted to model the effect of soil variability on slope stability. The soil variability is quantified by the parameters called the coefficient of variation (COV) and scale of fluctuation (SOF), while the safety of a slope is assessed using probability of failure. In this research, extensive parametric studies are conducted, using the RFEM, to investigate the influence of COV and SOF on the probability of failure of a cohesive slope (i.e. undrained clay slope) with different geometries. Probabilistic stability charts are then developed using the results obtained from the parametric studies. These charts can be used for a preliminary assessment of the probability of failure of a spatially random cohesive slope. In addition, the effect of soil variability on c'–ϕ' slopes is also studied. The available RFEM computer program (i.e. rslope2d) is limited to analysing slopes with single-layered soil profile. Therefore, in this research, this computer program is modified to analyse slopes with two-layered soil profiles. The modified program is then used to investigate the effect of soil variability on two-layered spatially random cohesive slopes. It has been demonstrated that the spatial variability of soil variability has a significant effect on the reliability of both single and two-layered soil slopes. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), which are a powerful data-mapping tool for determining the relationship between a set of input and output variables, are used in an attempt to predict the probability of failure of a spatially random cohesive slope. The aim is to provide an alternative tool to the RFEM and the developed probabilistic stability charts because the RFEM analyses are computationally intensive and time consuming. The results obtained from the parametric studies of a spatially random cohesive slope are used as the database for the ANN model development. It has been demonstrated that the ANN models developed in this research are capable of predicting the probability of failure of a spatially random cohesive slope with high accuracy. The developed ANN models are then transformed into relatively simple formulae for direct application in practice. The effect of root reinforcement caused by vegetation is modelled as additional cohesion to the soils, known as root cohesion, cr. The areas affected by tree roots (i.e. root zone) are incorporated in the finite element slope stability model. The extent of the root zone is defined by the depth of root zone, hr. Parametric studies are conducted and the results are used to develop a set of stability charts that can be used to assess the contribution of root reinforcement on slope stability. Furthermore, ANN models and formulae are also developed based on the results obtained from the parametric studies. It has been demonstrated that the factor of safety of a slope increase linearly with the values cr and hr, and the contribution of root reinforcement to a marginally stable slope is significant. In addition, probabilistic slope stability analysis considering both the variability of the soils and root cohesion are conducted using the modified RFEM computer program. It has been demonstrated that the spatial variability of root cohesion has a significant effect on the probability of slope failure. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1349971 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, 2009

It is well recognised that the inherent soil variability and the effect of vegetation, in particular the effect of tree root reinforcement, have a significant effect on the stability of a natural slope. However, in practice, these factors are not commonly considered in routine slope stability analysis. This is due mainly to the fact that the effects of soil variability and vegetation are complex and difficult to quantify. Furthermore, the available slope stability analysis computer programs used in practice, which adopt conventional limit equilibrium methods, are unable to consider these factors. To predict the stability of a natural slope more accurately, especially the marginally stable one, the effects of soil variability and vegetation needs to be taken into account. The research presented in this thesis focuses on investigating and quantifying the effects of soil variability and vegetation on the stability of natural slopes. The random finite element method (RFEM), developed by Griffiths and Fenton (2004), is adopted to model the effect of soil variability on slope stability. The soil variability is quantified by the parameters called the coefficient of variation (COV) and scale of fluctuation (SOF), while the safety of a slope is assessed using probability of failure. In this research, extensive parametric studies are conducted, using the RFEM, to investigate the influence of COV and SOF on the probability of failure of a cohesive slope (i.e. undrained clay slope) with different geometries. Probabilistic stability charts are then developed using the results obtained from the parametric studies. These charts can be used for a preliminary assessment of the probability of failure of a spatially random cohesive slope. In addition, the effect of soil variability on c'–ϕ' slopes is also studied. The available RFEM computer program (i.e. rslope2d) is limited to analysing slopes with single-layered soil profile. Therefore, in this research, this computer program is modified to analyse slopes with two-layered soil profiles. The modified program is then used to investigate the effect of soil variability on two-layered spatially random cohesive slopes. It has been demonstrated that the spatial variability of soil variability has a significant effect on the reliability of both single and two-layered soil slopes. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), which are a powerful data-mapping tool for determining the relationship between a set of input and output variables, are used in an attempt to predict the probability of failure of a spatially random cohesive slope. The aim is to provide an alternative tool to the RFEM and the developed probabilistic stability charts because the RFEM analyses are computationally intensive and time consuming. The results obtained from the parametric studies of a spatially random cohesive slope are used as the database for the ANN model development. It has been demonstrated that the ANN models developed in this research are capable of predicting the probability of failure of a spatially random cohesive slope with high accuracy. The developed ANN models are then transformed into relatively simple formulae for direct application in practice. The effect of root reinforcement caused by vegetation is modelled as additional cohesion to the soils, known as root cohesion, cr. The areas affected by tree roots (i.e. root zone) are incorporated in the finite element slope stability model. The extent of the root zone is defined by the depth of root zone, hr. Parametric studies are conducted and the results are used to develop a set of stability charts that can be used to assess the contribution of root reinforcement on slope stability. Furthermore, ANN models and formulae are also developed based on the results obtained from the parametric studies. It has been demonstrated that the factor of safety of a slope increase linearly with the values cr and hr, and the contribution of root reinforcement to a marginally stable slope is significant. In addition, probabilistic slope stability analysis considering both the variability of the soils and root cohesion are conducted using the modified RFEM computer program. It has been demonstrated that the spatial variability of root cohesion has a significant effect on the probability of slope failure. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1349971 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, 2009

Il est généralement admis que la végétation peut stabiliser les pentes naturelles et artificielles contre les glissements de terrain superficiel. Par rapport au rôle mécanique, les racines renforcent le sol d'une pente en fournissant une cohésion additionnelle (cr). La quantification des cr est une étape essentielle pour évaluer la stabilité des pentes, quantifiée par le facteur de sécurité (FoS, défini par le ratio entre les forces de la résistance et les forces motrices sur une pente). La plupart des modèles prédictifs de cr existants ne prennent pas en compte la dynamique racinaire à l'échelle spatiale et temporelle qui peut conduire à une hétérogénéité de renforcement des racines. Ainsi, cette thèse vise à caractériser, quantifier et modéliser la répartition spatiale et temporelle de la dynamique racinaire ainsi que son impact sur la cr estimée. La distribution, croissance et mortalité racinaire ont été échantillonnées à l'aide de monolithes et de rhizotrons à deux altitudes dans des forêts mixtes et naturellement régénérées dans les Alpes françaises, composées d'îlots et de trouées. Avec les méthodes de modélisation statistique, une série de facteurs abiotiques et biotiques affectant la dynamique racinaire ont été étudiés. Pour quantifier les cr, une méta-analyse a été effectuée et les divers algorithmes de modélisation ont été employés et leurs résultats comparés. Cette étude a montré que: (i) dans un écosystème à espèces mixtes, la densité racinaire influence davantage les cr que les propriétés de la qualité racinaire; (ii) tous les facteurs abiotiques (altitude, paysage écologique, profondeur du sol et mois) peuvent faire varier la densité racinaire selon des conditions différentes du sol ; (iii) lors de l'observation de 1,5 ans à l'aide de rhizotrons, le cr augmente continuellement, rapidement dans la saison active et lentement pendant la saison dormante, mais cette augmentation est dépendante de la profondeur du sol, de l'altitude et du patch écologique ; (iv) malgré le fait que les racines les plus fines (]0, 1] mm en diamètre) soient les plus actives dans le cycle de nutritions et de carbone (selon des publications précédentes), elles contribuent peu au renforcement mécanique de terrain. Cette étude a permis d'élargir et d'approfondir nos connaissances sur le rôle des racines dans l'éco-ingénierie. / It is largely recognized that vegetation can stabilize artificial and natural slopes against shallow landslides. Mechanically, plant roots reinforce soil on a slope by providing an additional cohesion (cr). Quantification of cr is a key step to estimate the stability of a given slope, usually quantified by the Factor of Safety (FoS, defined as the ratio between resisting forces and the driving forces on a slope). Most existing cr predictive models do not take into consideration spatial and temporal root dynamics which result in heterogeneous root reinforcement along a vegetated slope. Therefore, this thesis aims to characterize, quantify and model the spatial and temporal patterns in root dynamics and their impact on the estimation of cr. Root distribution, growth and mortality were measured using monoliths and rhizotrons installed at two altitudes in naturally regenerated mixed forests in the French Alps. These forests are composed of trees growing in groups (tree islands) with large gaps between the islands. Using statistical modeling approaches, abiotic and biotic factors affecting root dynamics were investigated. For quantifying cr, a meta-analysis was performed and different modeling algorithms were employed and results compared. Based on these studies, the following conclusions were made: (i) in a mixed, mature forest ecosystem root density influenced cr more than root mechanical properties; (ii) all abiotic factors (altitude, type of vegetation patch, soil depth and month) significantly affected root quantity to different degrees, depending on soil conditions; (iii) during the 1.5 years' observations in rhizotron, cr increased rapidly during the growing season and more slowly in the dormant season but the increment increase was largely dependent on soil depth, altitude and vegetation patch. (iv) The finest roots (]0, 1] mm in diameter), which are considered the most important for nutrient and carbon cycling, contributed little to mechanical reinforcement of the soil. Results are discussed with regard to ecological engineering strategies for unstable slopes.

Proposição: Este estudo in vitro comparou a resistência à fratura e os padrões de falha de 5 tipos diferentes de pinos-núcleos cimentados em raízes bovinas. Materiais e métodos: Um total de 50 incisivos bovinos frescos foram utilizados. A coroa, o terço cervical e parte do terço médio radicular foram removidos. Os dentes selecionados foram divididos em cinco grupos (n=10). Quatro grupos foram enfraquecidos utilizando uma seqüência de pontas diamantadas, reforçados com resina composta e restaurados com núcleos metálicos fundidos, pinos de fibra de vidro, pinos de fibra de carbono e pinos de aço inoxidável. Um grupo não sofreu enfraquecimento e foi restaurado com núcleo metálico fundido (grupo controle). Todos os pinos foram cimentados com adesivo Single Bond 2 e cimento resinoso dual RelyX ARC. Cada espécime foi incluído em resina acrílica e recebeu uma coroa total metálica. A máquina de ensaios universais EMIC-2000 foi utilizada para o teste mecânico. Uma carga compressiva com célula de carga de 500Kgf a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm.min-1 foi aplicada em um ângulo de 135º em relação ao longo eixo do dente até ocorrer fratura. Análise de variância e teste de Tukey foram realizados para determinar a significância da resistência à fratura entre os grupos (p<0,05). Resultados: A análise estatística indicou que as raízes íntegras restauradas com núcleos metálicos fundidos (Grupo 1) apresentaram resistência à fratura significativamente maior: 120,02±35,34, seguido pelos grupos de raízes reforçadas com resina composta e restauradas com os seguintes tipos de pino: núcleo metálico fundido (Grupo 2): 77,91±32,86; pino de fibra de vidro (Grupo 3): 69,60±34,44; pino de fibra de carbono (Grupo 4): 48,25±22,84; e pino de aço inoxidável: 42,26±17,52. Os Grupos 2 a 5 apresentaram valores estatisticamente semelhantes entre si. O padrão de fratura variou entre os grupos. O Grupo 1 apresentou um índice de 100% de fratura catastrófica, enquanto o Grupo 4 apresentou apenas 20% de fraturas radiculares. Conclusões: Os resultados mostraram que dentes com estrutura íntegra são mais resistentes que dentes fragilizados e reforçados com resina. Os dentes restaurados com núcleo metálico fundido demonstraram maior resistência à fratura que os dentes restaurados com pinos de fibra de vidro, fibra de carbono e aço inoxidável. Dentes restaurados com pinos de fibra de vidro são altamente resistentes à fratura, enquanto o dentes restaurados com pinos de fibra de carbono possuem uma grande capacidade protetora da estrutura remanescente. Os dentes restaurados com pinos de aço inoxidável apresentaram a menor resistência à fratura dentre os grupos testados, além de, frequentemente, induzir fraturas radiculares / Purpose: This in vitro study compared the fracture strength and the failure patterns of 5 different types of post-and-cores luted in bovine root canals. Materials and methods: A total of 50 recently extracted anterior bovine teeth with similar dimensions were used in this study. Their crowns, coronal thirds and part of the middle thirds of the roots were removed. The selected teeth were divided into five groups (n=10). Four groups were flared using a sequence of diamond burs, reinforced with composite resin and restored with cast metal post-and-core, glass fiber, carbon fiber and stainless steel posts. One group was not flared and restored with cast metal post-and-core (control group). All posts were cemented with Single Bond 2 adhesive system and dual-cured RelyX ARC resin cement. Each specimen was embedded in acrylic resin and received a complete metal crown. The Universal Testing Machine EMIC-2000 was used for the mechanical test. A compressive load with a 500 Kgf load cell, at a crosshead of .5 mm. min-1, was applied at a 135-degrees angle to the long axis of the tooth until fracture occurred. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed to determine the significance of the fracture strength among the groups (P<.05). Results: The statistical analysis indicated that healthy roots with cast metal post-and-cores (Group 1) had significantly higher fracture strength: 120.02±35.34, followed by the groups of flared roots with resin reinforcement and restored with posts: cast metal post-and-cores (Group 2): 77.91±32.86; glass fiber post (Group 3): 69.60±34.44; carbon fiber post (Group 4): 48.25±22.84; and stainless steel post (Group 5): 42.26±17.52. Groups 2 to 5 were statistically similar to each other. The failure patterns varied between the groups. Group 1 showed an index of 100% of catastrophic fracture, whereas Group 4 had only 20% of root fractures. Conclusions: It can be concluded healthy teeth with complete root structure has higher fracture strength than teeth with resin-reinforced flared roots. Teeth restored with cast metal post-and-cores demonstrated higher fracture strength than teeth restored with glass fiber, carbon fiber and stainless steel posts. Teeth restored with glass fiber posts are highly resistant to fracture, whereas carbon fiber posts protect the remaining dental structure. Teeth restored with stainless steel posts show lower fracture strength and often induce root fractures.

Vegetation can increase the resistance of slopes against landsliding. The mechanical contribution of roots to the shear strength of the soil is however difficult to measure in situ. Existing methodologies are time-consuming and therefore not suitable to quantify spatial variability on the slope. Furthermore, some existing methods, for example large in situ shear box testing, can be difficult to apply on remote sites with difficult access, e.g. steep slopes. Therefore in this thesis novel, simple and portable methods to quantify mechanical root-reinforcement in the field were developed. The ‘blade penetrometer method’, one of these new methods, was based on standard penetrometer testing but used an adapted tip shape to increase sensitivity to roots. Root depths and diameters could be quantified based on characteristics of the depth–resistance trace, both in the laboratory and in the field. Several new analytical interpretive models were developed to predict the force–displacement behaviour of roots loaded under various conditions: one assuming roots broke in tension and another assuming roots broke in pure bending. Both methods did take root–soil interaction into account. Based on these models, some roots were shown to have broken in bending and others in tension, depending on plant species and root diameter. Two new methods were developed to measure the root-reinforced soil strength directly. The ‘pin vane’ was an adaptation of a standard field shear vane, replacing the cruciform blades of the latter by prongs to minimise the effects of soil disturbance and root breakage during installation. This was one of the main problems encountered when using standard vanes in rooted soil. This ‘pin vane’ method was qualitatively shown to be able to measure the reinforcing effects of both fine and thick roots (or root analogues), both in the laboratory and the field. This method will be most useful when the strength of densely rooted surface layers is to be analysed, e.g. for erosion resistance purposes. Another newly developed shear device was the ‘corkscrew’. Rotational installation of the screw ensured minimal soil and root disturbance. During vertical extraction the root-reinforced shear strength was mobilised along the interface of the soil plug caught within the screw. The measured extraction force could be related to the reinforced soil strength. This method underestimated the strength in surface layers (especially at 0–125 mm and less so at 125–250 mm depth) but functioned well in deeper soil layers important for landsliding. Although laboratory results were promising, during in situ testing in deeper layers ( > 125 mm) local variation in soil stress, gravel content and water content, combined with low root volumes, made it difficult to accurately quantify the effect of the roots. Where the effect of roots was pronounced, e.g. in more heavily rooted surface layers (0–125 mm), significant positive trends between the measured soil strength and root strength and quantity were found. Measured reinforcements were small compared with various root-reinforcement model predictions but comparable to direct shear tests on rooted soil reported by others. These new methods, although still in the early stages of development, showed promising results for practical use in field conditions. The equipment was simple to use and portable, enabling measurements on sites with difficult accessibility. However, more work is required to validate the interpretive models developed and to calibrate these methods for a wider range of soil and root conditions.

Proposição: Este estudo in vitro comparou a resistência à fratura e os padrões de falha de 5 tipos diferentes de pinos-núcleos cimentados em raízes bovinas. Materiais e métodos: Um total de 50 incisivos bovinos frescos foram utilizados. A coroa, o terço cervical e parte do terço médio radicular foram removidos. Os dentes selecionados foram divididos em cinco grupos (n=10). Quatro grupos foram enfraquecidos utilizando uma seqüência de pontas diamantadas, reforçados com resina composta e restaurados com núcleos metálicos fundidos, pinos de fibra de vidro, pinos de fibra de carbono e pinos de aço inoxidável. Um grupo não sofreu enfraquecimento e foi restaurado com núcleo metálico fundido (grupo controle). Todos os pinos foram cimentados com adesivo Single Bond 2 e cimento resinoso dual RelyX ARC. Cada espécime foi incluído em resina acrílica e recebeu uma coroa total metálica. A máquina de ensaios universais EMIC-2000 foi utilizada para o teste mecânico. Uma carga compressiva com célula de carga de 500Kgf a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm.min-1 foi aplicada em um ângulo de 135º em relação ao longo eixo do dente até ocorrer fratura. Análise de variância e teste de Tukey foram realizados para determinar a significância da resistência à fratura entre os grupos (p<0,05). Resultados: A análise estatística indicou que as raízes íntegras restauradas com núcleos metálicos fundidos (Grupo 1) apresentaram resistência à fratura significativamente maior: 120,02±35,34, seguido pelos grupos de raízes reforçadas com resina composta e restauradas com os seguintes tipos de pino: núcleo metálico fundido (Grupo 2): 77,91±32,86; pino de fibra de vidro (Grupo 3): 69,60±34,44; pino de fibra de carbono (Grupo 4): 48,25±22,84; e pino de aço inoxidável: 42,26±17,52. Os Grupos 2 a 5 apresentaram valores estatisticamente semelhantes entre si. O padrão de fratura variou entre os grupos. O Grupo 1 apresentou um índice de 100% de fratura catastrófica, enquanto o Grupo 4 apresentou apenas 20% de fraturas radiculares. Conclusões: Os resultados mostraram que dentes com estrutura íntegra são mais resistentes que dentes fragilizados e reforçados com resina. Os dentes restaurados com núcleo metálico fundido demonstraram maior resistência à fratura que os dentes restaurados com pinos de fibra de vidro, fibra de carbono e aço inoxidável. Dentes restaurados com pinos de fibra de vidro são altamente resistentes à fratura, enquanto o dentes restaurados com pinos de fibra de carbono possuem uma grande capacidade protetora da estrutura remanescente. Os dentes restaurados com pinos de aço inoxidável apresentaram a menor resistência à fratura dentre os grupos testados, além de, frequentemente, induzir fraturas radiculares / Purpose: This in vitro study compared the fracture strength and the failure patterns of 5 different types of post-and-cores luted in bovine root canals. Materials and methods: A total of 50 recently extracted anterior bovine teeth with similar dimensions were used in this study. Their crowns, coronal thirds and part of the middle thirds of the roots were removed. The selected teeth were divided into five groups (n=10). Four groups were flared using a sequence of diamond burs, reinforced with composite resin and restored with cast metal post-and-core, glass fiber, carbon fiber and stainless steel posts. One group was not flared and restored with cast metal post-and-core (control group). All posts were cemented with Single Bond 2 adhesive system and dual-cured RelyX ARC resin cement. Each specimen was embedded in acrylic resin and received a complete metal crown. The Universal Testing Machine EMIC-2000 was used for the mechanical test. A compressive load with a 500 Kgf load cell, at a crosshead of .5 mm. min-1, was applied at a 135-degrees angle to the long axis of the tooth until fracture occurred. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed to determine the significance of the fracture strength among the groups (P<.05). Results: The statistical analysis indicated that healthy roots with cast metal post-and-cores (Group 1) had significantly higher fracture strength: 120.02±35.34, followed by the groups of flared roots with resin reinforcement and restored with posts: cast metal post-and-cores (Group 2): 77.91±32.86; glass fiber post (Group 3): 69.60±34.44; carbon fiber post (Group 4): 48.25±22.84; and stainless steel post (Group 5): 42.26±17.52. Groups 2 to 5 were statistically similar to each other. The failure patterns varied between the groups. Group 1 showed an index of 100% of catastrophic fracture, whereas Group 4 had only 20% of root fractures. Conclusions: It can be concluded healthy teeth with complete root structure has higher fracture strength than teeth with resin-reinforced flared roots. Teeth restored with cast metal post-and-cores demonstrated higher fracture strength than teeth restored with glass fiber, carbon fiber and stainless steel posts. Teeth restored with glass fiber posts are highly resistant to fracture, whereas carbon fiber posts protect the remaining dental structure. Teeth restored with stainless steel posts show lower fracture strength and often induce root fractures.

Heavy forestry machines have great immediate effect on soil properties. This increases the interest to develop approaches that help understanding better the interaction between the forest machines and the terrain and consequently develop the forwarders to be gentle to the environment. The most predominant indications of soil disturbances caused by harvesting are mainly rutting and soil compaction. It is critical to understand and evaluate these damages to be able to protect the remaining trees and improve their tree growth rate. Comprehending the bearing capacity of the soil and the interaction between tire and soil are the key issues to develop forest machines that preserve the terrain. The first step to accomplish this goal is to compare the rut depth theoretical data from empirical models with the rut depth data from a full scale field test, the models suitable to predict rut depth is descripted. Tree roots reinforce the forest floor and significantly increase the bearing capacity of the soil. The contribution from root layer to the soil bearing capacity depends on the number, diameter, orientation of the roots and their mechanical properties. To improve the root tensile strength model, a root bending and stretching laboratory test has been carry out and compared with FEM-based results. The existing Valmet 860. 3 Adams MBS model is finally used to study the suitability of the model to predict rut depth. A comparison between several existing methods to predict rut depth is also shown. / Tunga skogsmaskiner har stor omedelbar effekt på markens egenskaper. Detta ökar intresset för att utveckla strategier som underlättar förståelsen av samverkan mellan skogsmaskiner och terrängen och därmed utveckla framdrivning av dessa maskiner som är skonsam mot miljön. De dominerande indikationerna på markstörningar orsakade av hjulbaserade skogsmaskiner är främst spårbildning och jordkompaktering. Det är viktigt att förstå och utvärdera dessa skador för att kunna skydda de kvarvarande träden och förbättra deras tillväxt. Att förstå markens bärighet och samspelet mellan däck och mark är de viktigaste frågorna för att utveckla skogsmaskiner som skonar terrängen. Det första steget för att uppnå detta mål är att jämföra spårdjup vilka är framtagna med empiriska modeller med data för spårdjup från ett fullskaligt fälttest, där de modeller som lämpar sig för att förutsäga spårdjup är beskrivna. Trädrötter förstärker skogsmarken och ökar avsevärt jordens bärighet. Bidraget från rotlagret till jordens bärförmåga beror på antalet rötter, deras diameter samt rötternas orientering och deras mekaniska egenskaper. För att förbättra modellen för rötternas mekaniska egenskaper har rotböjning och rottöjning studerats i ett laboratorietest och vidare jämförts med FEM-baserade resultat. Den befintliga MBS modellen av skotaren Valmet 860.3 har slutligen används för att studera lämpligheten av modellen för att förutsäga spårdjup. En jämförelse mellan flera olika metoder för att förutsäga spårdjup visas också.

L'ingénierie écologique, qui est décrite comme «la gestion de la nature», a d'abord été proposée par Odum en 1971. Dans les dernières décennies, l'ingénierie écologique a été largement consacrée à lutter contre l'érosion des sols et les mouvements de masse, tout en permettant d'assurer la durabilité des écosystèmes. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'évaluer l'impact de peuplements forestiers sur la stabilité de pentes de dimension finie, en considérant à la fois les effets mécaniques et hydrologiques des racines peu profondes contre les glissements de terrain. Deux sites forestiers monospécifiques et équiennes, plantés respectivement de Robinia pseudoacacia et Platycladus orientalis, ont été sélectionnés sur le Plateau du Loess en Chine et utilisés comme sites d'étude. Le Facteur de Sécurité (FoS) de ces pentes ont été calculées en utilisant un modèle éléments finis 2D qui prend en compte la distribution des racines dans les couches superficielles du sol.Des mesures de terrain et des tests de laboratoire ont été effectués afin d'estimer les principaux paramètres du modèle, à savoir la distribution des surfaces relatives de racines dans le sol (Root Area Ratio), la résistance à la traction des racines, ainsi que les propriétés mécaniques et hydrologiques du sol nu. La contribution des racines à la résistance au cisaillement du sol a été considérée par l'intermédiaire d'une « cohésion additionnelle » calculée à l'aide de modèles fournis par la littérature. Six modèles existants ont été testés. Cette thèse est composée de deux chapitres principaux portant sur: (1) l'effet mécanique de l'hétérogénéité spatiale de la distribution des racines à l'échelle de pente; (2) l'influence de la distribution des racines sur le couplage entre la diffusion de l'eau interstitiel et les contraintes mécaniques dans le sol et son impact sur la stabilité des pentes.Les simulations amènent aux conclusions principales suivantes: (1) les pentes en terrasse sont en théorie 20% plus stables que les pentes rectilignes, sans tenir compte des effets hydrologiques; (2) le FoS atteint une valeur asymptotique lorsque l'on augmente la cohésion des racines; (3) les variations de la cohésion des racines observées sur le terrain ont peu d'effet sur la stabilité des pentes. Toutefois le renforcement de la partie basse des pentes, où les racines ont un plus grand impact positif sur le FOS, peut permettre de diminuer le risque de glissement; (4) l'effet des fortes précipitations sur la stabilité de la pente pourrait probablement être atténué par la présence de racines, mais cet effet dépend des caractéristiques des racines et de leur influence sur le débit d'eau dans le sol. / Ecological engineering, which is described as ‘the management of nature', was first proposed by Odum in 1971. In the past few decades, ecological engineering has been largely devoted to combat soil erosion and mass movement all over the world, because of its benefit on sustainable ecosystems. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the impact of forest stands on the stability of finite slopes, considering both the mechanical and hydrological effects of roots against shallow landslides. Two monospecific and even-aged forest sites planted with Robinia pseudoacacia and Platycladus orientalis respectively were selected on the Loess Plateau of China and used as study sites. Slope Factors of Safety were calculated using a 2D finite element model that takes into account the distribution of roots in the shallow layers of soil.Field site experiments and laboratory tests were performed in order to estimate the main parameters of the model, i.e. distribution of root area ratio within the soil, root tensile strength, as well as bare soil mechanical and hydrological properties. The contribution of roots to soil shear strength was considered through an additional cohesion calculated with models provided by the literature. Six existing models were tested. This thesis is composed of two main chapters that make the focus on : (1) the mechanical effect of the spatial heterogeneity of root distribution at the slope scale; (2) the influence of root distribution on the coupling between pore fluid diffusion and mechanical stress and its impact on slope stability. This study brings to the following main conclusions: (1) terraced slopes were 20% more stable than rectilinear slopes, disregarding the differences in hydrological regimes between the two sites; (2) FoS could reach an asymptotic value when increasing root additional cohesion; (3) variations of the actual root cohesion do not affect much slope stability. However more attention should be given to the reinforcement of the bottom part of the actual slopes, where roots have a larger positive impact on the FoS; (4) the effect of heavy precipitations on slope stability could probably be overcome or at least mitigated by root system network, but this depends on root characteristics and their resulting effect on soil water flow.