Randomized trial examines thermo-mechanical behavior of root-reinforced soil under temperature variation, suggesting engineering applications for climate resilience.
Key Points
This study aims to understand how temperature affects the mechanical properties of root-reinforced soils using a new modeling approach.
Developed a thermo-mechanically coupled hypoplastic model incorporating root reinforcement mechanisms.
Conducted temperature-controlled consolidated undrained triaxial tests on root-reinforced soil with varying root contents from 20°C to 60°C.
Validated the model using experimental data from previous literature.
Showed that ultimate shear strength at 60°C decreased by approximately 29.4% compared to 20°C.
Demonstrated root reinforcement maintained high soil strength despite thermal softening.
Identified an optimal root content ratio where strength enhancement had diminishing returns.