Root Biomechanics Testing Challenges: Findings from Experiments on Native Australian Trees

Zhu, J; El-Zein, A; Hubble, T; Miao, G

Root Biomechanics Testing Challenges: Findings from Experiments on Native Australian Trees

Zhu, J El-Zein, A Hubble, T Miao, G

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Publisher:: EDP Sciences
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: E3s Web of Conferences, 2025, 642, pp. 06001
Issue Date:: 2025-08-14

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Zhu, J
dc.contributor.author	El-Zein, A
dc.contributor.author	Hubble, T
dc.contributor.author	Miao, G https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6912-0391
dc.date.accessioned	2026-01-27T04:21:24Z
dc.date.available	2026-01-27T04:21:24Z
dc.date.issued	2025-08-14
dc.identifier.citation	E3s Web of Conferences, 2025, 642, pp. 06001
dc.identifier.issn	2555-0403
dc.identifier.issn	2267-1242
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/192415
dc.description.abstract	Root biomechanical properties are critical for soil reinforcement and slope stability, yet the lack of standard tensile testing procedures creates significant variability in results. This study examines three key challenges clamping mechanisms, root irregular morphologies, and root moisture content through experiments on four native Australian tree species. Of the three tested clamping methods, two failed: The finger-Trap mechanism lacked grip on small-diameter roots, while epoxy reinforcement caused excessive moisture loss. The flat clamp with a rough surface performed best but damaged large roots under excessive force. Unexpected root irregularities, such as nodal joints and tortuous points, led to localised stress concentrations, reducing tensile strength and increasing variability. While root moisture content has been qualitatively discussed, its quantitative effects remain underexplored, with fewer than five studies addressing it. This study demonstrates that moisture content and root diameter explain up to 71% of tensile strength variability, underscoring the need for its control in testing. These findings highlight the necessity of standardised testing procedures to improve measurement reliability. While preliminary guidelines are proposed, further refinement is needed to advance predictive modelling and bioengineering applications in unsaturated soils.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	EDP Sciences
dc.relation.ispartof	E3s Web of Conferences
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1051/e3sconf/202564206001
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Root Biomechanics Testing Challenges: Findings from Experiments on Native Australian Trees
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	642
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Professional Practice and Leadership
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2026-01-27T04:21:22Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	642

Abstract:

Root biomechanical properties are critical for soil reinforcement and slope stability, yet the lack of standard tensile testing procedures creates significant variability in results. This study examines three key challenges clamping mechanisms, root irregular morphologies, and root moisture content through experiments on four native Australian tree species. Of the three tested clamping methods, two failed: The finger-Trap mechanism lacked grip on small-diameter roots, while epoxy reinforcement caused excessive moisture loss. The flat clamp with a rough surface performed best but damaged large roots under excessive force. Unexpected root irregularities, such as nodal joints and tortuous points, led to localised stress concentrations, reducing tensile strength and increasing variability. While root moisture content has been qualitatively discussed, its quantitative effects remain underexplored, with fewer than five studies addressing it. This study demonstrates that moisture content and root diameter explain up to 71% of tensile strength variability, underscoring the need for its control in testing. These findings highlight the necessity of standardised testing procedures to improve measurement reliability. While preliminary guidelines are proposed, further refinement is needed to advance predictive modelling and bioengineering applications in unsaturated soils.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/192415