The effect of riparian tree roots on the mass-stability of riverbanks

Abstract

Plants interact with and modify the processes of riverbank erosion by altering bank hydrology, flow hydraulics and bank geotechnical properties. The physically based slope stability model GWEDGEM was used to assess how changes in bank geotechnical properties due to the roots of native Australian riparian trees affected the stability of bank sections surveyed along the Latrobe River. Modelling bank stability against mass failure with and without the reinforcing effects of River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) or Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) indicates that root reinforcement of the bank substrate provides high levels of bank protection. The model indicates that the addition of roo..