Vegetation contribution on the slope stability. Part I - Introduction

Abstract

The effects of vegetation on slopes are described and qualified and the conditioning characteristics of the vegetation on each of these effects are appreciated. The stabilizing role of the vegetation and particularly of the roots is studied. The reinforcing effect of the roots is analised in detail and a conceptual model for its consideration on the evaluation of stability of slopes is developed. The model takes into account the quantity and dimensions of the roots and their tension and pull-out strengths.