Exploring root reinforcement mechanisms using numerical simulations of rooted soils

In this study, we use a numerical model of direct shear tests of rooted and non rooted soils to analyze the relative importance of these four root failure modes depending on the root and on the soil types. The numerical simulations were held using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The DEM is an efficient modelling approach extensively used in the field of soil mechanics. This approach allows modelling the soil as an assembly of rigid locally deformable spheres interacting at their contact points. A specific approach for modelling the roots was also developed.