Author(s): Junjia Kang; Giulio Calvani; Giovanni De Cesare; Paolo Perona

Linked Author(s): Paolo PERONA

Keywords: Biomechanics; Willow cuttings; Root asymmetry; Pull-out experiments

Abstract: Under the backdrop of the new century, water bioengineering has come under the spotlight as a highly favored solution to waterway problems, an ecological flood control measure and a sustainable river revitalization technique. While most studies have been focused on the aboveground part of aquatic and terricolous plants, the hidden roots are usually investigated from a botanical point of view, or about exploring the effect of plants on surroundings soil properties out of engineering interest. Works exploring the biomechanics of root anchorage of riparian plants remain limited. In this work, through laboratory pull-out experiments, the mechanics of asymmetric and symmetric root structures of willow cuttings is quantified to understand the resistance of plants to hydrodynamic forces, which could be further extended to represent windthrow or uprooting by flow. We hereby anticipate some first results and put forward the prospect of relevant application s.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.326

Year: 2026