Micro-Bio-Mechanical Modelling of root growth in granular soils

In this project a novel model capable of simultaneously: i) modelling root growth and ii) subsequently quantifying root pullout strength, is developed. To validate the model a novel experimental apparatus capable of measuring soil stress variations induced by the growing roots will be employed. Roots will be modelled as bonded DEM particles. By means of simple AI algorithms, the model will include features such as gravitropism, time dependent root stiffening (thickening), root branching and root tip reorientation based on penetration resistance.