ABSTRACT

Investigating hydrodynamic loads on natural vegetation is essential for nature-based solutions in physical models. While simplified vegetation models can mimic flow resistance adequately, realistic root systems are crucial for investigations regarding erosion stability of vegetated dikes. The vegetated layer must replicate natural turf in root density, vegetation length, and strength. Therefore, turf for hydraulic investigations was grown in different setups and compared to literature values. Root analysis showed comparable vegetation indicators between indoor and natural turf, though differences emerged at increased soil depths. Longer growing periods are necessary to enhance turf stability, impacting erosion test considerations, as hydraulic model investigations revealed.

INTRODUCTION

Climate change is expected to result in more frequent and intense storm surges, floods, and extreme precipitation events (IPCC, 2019). Rising sea levels due to climate change can also increase the risk of coastal flooding and functional failures of coastal protection measures (IPCC, 2019; Nicholls and Cazenave, 2010). These events can expose dikes, essential structures protecting low-lying areas from flooding, to elevated water levels, and increased wave action, thus, more severe erosive forces, challenging erosion resistance. Understanding the erosion resistance of vegetated dikes under these conditions is crucial for adapting flood defense systems and to ensure the long-term safety and stability of coastal and riverine flood defense systems. Vegetation, particularly grass mixtures is mostly used as a cover on dike slopes to enhance their erosion resistance and provide additional protection against the erosive forces of water while maintaining an ecological system (Scheres and Schüttrumpf, 2020; TAW, 1997).

Physical model tests investigating parameters such as flow and erosion resistance in the laboratory require the replication of vegetation and its properties (Scheres and Schüttrumpf, 2020; van Bergeijk et al., 2021). There are several methods for including vegetation in physical modeling. Artificial turf allows for precise control of vegetation parameters and ensures that these parameters remain consistent throughout the experiments. However, artificial turf is only suitable for studies focusing on stems, as it cannot replicate root structures.

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