Centrifuge modelling of root-soil interaction of laterally loaded trees under different loading conditions

Understanding the stability of trees under lateral loads arising from natural hazards (e.g. extreme weather and debris flows) is important, as fallen can become a potential threat to life infrastructure. Two 1 : 20 scale three-dimensional printed analogue root system models, with architectures field-surveyed architecture data, were used simulate push-over behaviour in silty sand different conditions centrifuge. The peak overturning moments obtained verified against data field winching tests. Horizontal roots orientated loading direction central taproot complex contributed most resistance. Increasing soil matric suction due lowering water table, increasing rate considering presence fine fraction all resulted higher moment capacity rotational stiffness systems. was ductile fully saturated more brittle partially cases, breakages windward horizontal latter. These results suggest that it important measure groundwater when conducting tests demonstrate connection between effective stress, total breakage area