Centrifuge Modeling of the Effects of Native Vegetation on Levee Slope Stability

Nature-based solutions are increasingly being explored to address some of the critical engineering challenges. This study focuses on the significance of rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea), a native plant species, to quantify its effect in improving engineered levees’ shallow slope stability. Rivercane is considered a cultural keystone species to many Native American communities and is characterized by a dense rhizome-fibrous root system and culms. Geotechnical centrifuge testing was utilized to investigate the performance of rivercane for levee slope reinforcement. Two centrifuge models were tested: one with plastic 3D-printed rivercane rhizome-culm structure and a comparison model without reinforcement. The strain behavior across three slope zones of the levees was evaluated. Findings showed higher strain at the bottom but reduced strain in the middle and top zones for rivercane-reinforced slope, suggesting improved shallow slope stability even with overtopping. Overall, incorporating native vegetation like rivercane can reduce progressive failures and enhance a levee’s shallow slope stability.