Effects of deep-rooted grass on the shear strength of residual soil

Abstract

Rainfall induced slope failure is common in many tropical countries where land area is limited and many buildings are built on high ground. Hence, whenever such failure takes place, people’s life are affected both physically and economically. Therefore, it is essential to understand where and why slope failure occurs. Many slope failures occur above the groundwater table where the soil is in their unsaturated state. The shear strength of the unsaturated soil is affected by the matric suction which is directly affected by the pore-water pressure. Hence matric suction of an unsaturated soil is expected to be higher when deep rooted grass is planted. The main purpose of this project is to compare the shear strength of soil between samples with deep-rooted Vetiver Grass at different depths and growth periods.