Abstract
The behavior of root-matted soil under impact shear cutting with a single knife was investigated. Fibered soil was used as a substitute for natural root-matted soil. The cutting behavior of the natural root-matted soil was satisfactorily simulated by the fibered soil under cutting at a density of 9×10-2 fibers/mm2. The results of experiments carried out at varying cutting speed, soil moisture content, fiber structure and fiber density are reported. The reaction force of fibered soil was greater than that of simple soil, and it increased with speed and saturated at a speed of about 15m/s. A slightly greater force was required when the fibers inclined away from the knife's cutting edge. The reaction force increased with fiber density and decreased with higher moisture content. The reaction force of the fibered soil with a high moisture content was significantly affected by the reinforcing effect of the fibers.
