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Assessing the accuracy of simple field based root strength measurements

Hales, Tristram ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3330-3302, Cole-Hawthorne, Clara, Lovell, Laurence and Evans, Samuel Lewin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3664-2569 2013. Assessing the accuracy of simple field based root strength measurements. Plant and Soil 372 (1-2) , pp. 553-565. 10.1007/s11104-013-1765-2

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Abstract

Background and aims Root reinforcement of slopes is a key control on landslide triggering, yet remains difficult to measure. Dozens of studies have utilised a wide range of testing methods to understand the tensile strength properties to estimate root reinforcement. We present a systematic attempt to evaluate the simple and efficient field spring scale method. Methods This study compared different testing methods to assess the strength of Picea sitchensis roots. We tested roots in the field using a spring scale and with two different pre-treatments in the laboratory using a universal testing machine. Root strengths were assessed under different testing conditions in laboratory and field experiments using different pre-testing treatments, stress concentration at clamps, and spacer types. Results Tensile strengths measured in the laboratory and field, with different spacers and clamping stress concentrations were not significantly different in our testing. Roots that were incompletely rehydrated after being dried were significantly stronger than wetter roots, suggesting moisture is one of the dominant controls on root strength. Conclusions Our results suggest that there is a large range of natural variability in root tensile strength. The field-based, spring scale method produces results that are indistinguishable from those of more precise universal testing machines.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Engineering
Sustainable Places Research Institute (PLACES)
Subjects: Q Science > QE Geology
T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Publisher: Springer
ISSN: 0032-079X
Last Modified: 24 Oct 2022 11:14
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/47420

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