Abstract: With the help of plant roots, slope vegetation makes the slope soil mass become a composite material of soil and roots, and thus enhances shear strength of the slope soil mass and stability of the slope. However, the related studies at present are still qualitative. In this paper, quantitative analysis of the interaction between roots and soil mass are made. By the analysis of the interaction between herbaceous plant roots including lateral roots of woody plants and rock and soil mass, a mechanical model of the interaction between frictional roots and soil is established, and its correctness is shown. A mechanical model of the interaction between anchorage root, namely, woody plant taproot, and soil is also established. The establishment of the models provides a useful means in quantitative analysis of the interaction between plant roots and soil, and has practical values.

Key words: slope vegetation, vegetation for slope protection, mechanical model, frictional root, anchorage root