Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Vegetation in Enhancing Slope Stability under Seismic Loading

Landslides can be triggered by various environmental and geological conditions, including seismic activity. Seismic waves increase the stress within the slope, resulting in a failure of the slope when the stresses exceed the resisting forces. Slope stability can be improved by vegetation due to the hydraulic enhancement and mechanical reinforcement it provides to the soil. This study aims to examine slope stability under seismic loading conditions through numerical modeling. The analysis compares the performance of vegetated and non-vegetated slopes under intense seismic events. The results demonstrate that vegetation significantly enhances slope stability under a seismic loading, reducing deformation by up to eight times and maintaining a higher factor of safety compared to bare slopes. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of vegetation in mitigating slope failure and improving resilience during earthquakes.