Work

Mechanism of Herbaceous Plant Root Disturbance on Yongning Fortress Rammed Earth Heritage: A Case Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the Yongning Fortress ruins in Taiyuan through a comprehensive analytical approach employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and ion chromatography (IC). The research focused on elucidating the disturbance mechanisms and environmental impacts induced by the root systems of five representative herbaceous species on rammed earth structures. The results demonstrated distinct, species-specific disturbance patterns. Melica roots created three-dimensional network damage, Artemisia capillaris primarily caused deep root penetration, Fallopia aubertii exhibited coupled physical–chemical effects, Convolvulus arvensis induced shallow horizontal expansion damage, while Cirsium formed a heterogeneous structure characterized by dense taproots and loose lateral roots. Environmental conditions, particularly moisture content, significantly influenced disturbance intensity. All root activities led to common deterioration processes, including particle rounding, gradation degradation, and formation of organic–mineral composites. Notably, vegetation markedly altered soluble salt distribution patterns, with Cirsium increasing total salt content to 3.7 times that of undisturbed rammed earth (0.48%), while sulfate ion concentration (1.16 × 10−3) approached hazardous thresholds. The study established a theoretical framework linking plant traits, disturbance mechanisms, and environmental response, and proposed risk-based zoning strategies for preservation. These outcomes provide significant theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the scientific conservation of rammed earth heritage sites.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15193491

Authors: Xudong Chu, Xinliang Ji, Weicheng Han

Institutions: Shanxi Vocational University of Engineering Science and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Building materials and conservation

Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137