As a novel technology for slope protection, living stumps have demonstrated the ability to significantly enhance slope stability. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of living-stump root systems and their reinforcement mechanisms on slopes through three-dimensional modeling tests. Using ABS materials, a 3D model of a living elm stump was created via 3D printing; this was followed by slope model testing. The reinforcement mechanisms of living stumps were examined through a combination of model testing and numerical simulation. The results reveal that the presence of living stumps in the lower and middle sections of a slope causes the maximum-shear-stress zone of the soil to shift deeper. The stress distribution around the living stump is notably improved owing to the lateral root system. Living stumps positioned in the lower part of the slope intersect the potential sliding surface, gradually transferring soil shear stress to the root system through root–soil interactions. Furthermore, the tap roots and lateral roots of living stumps form a robust spatial network that can collectively withstand soil shear stress, thereby enhancing slope stability.

Although the current ecological engineering technology can reinforce shallow landslides, it cannot reinforce deep landslides. A new type of ecological engineering technology-living tree stump slope protection was developed, aiming at the deficiency of current ecological engineering technology. For living stumps with different tap root lengths, the mechanical properties of the living stump slope and root system were analyzed. The model was based on the finite element method, using the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion to consider the mechanical plasticity of the soil. The three-dimensional (3D) models of living stumps with different tap root lengths were simulated by embedded beam elements. Changes in stress and strain of soil and root system were simulated. The strength reduction method was used here to calculate the safety factor of the slope. The results showed that long taproots moved the soil shear stress area to deeper soil layers, increasing the stability of the slope. The root system in the middle and lower part of the slope mainly exerted its tensile strength and played a positive role in the stability of the slope. The longer the taproots, the more stable the slope. Slope stability may be affected by root length, spatial root morphology, and the spatial layout of the root system on the slope. Planting living stumps in the middle and lower part of the slope densely was recommended in ecological engineering.

As a new plant slope protection technology, living stumps can effectively improve slope stability. The current study attemptes to investigate the mechanical characteristics of the root system of living stumps and their reinforcement mechanism on slopes by carrying out a three-dimensional living stump slope modeling test. Using ABS materials, a 3D model of a living elm stump was created by 3D printing and a slope model test was carried out. The reinforcement mechanism of the living stump was studied through a combination of model testing and numerical simulation. The results indicate that, due to the presence of living stumps in the lower and middle parts of the slope, the maximum shear stress area of the soil moved to a deeper direction. The stress state of the soil around the living stump was effectively improved due to the existence of the lateral root system.Living stumps in the lower part of the slope cross the potential sliding surface and transferred the soil shear stress gradually to the root system through root-soil interaction. Moreover, the tap roots and lateral roots of living stumps form a robust spatial structure that bears the shear stress of soil together, thus increasing the stability of the slope.