duongwe,
Have a look at the AWS SFA-5.1 Annex A. This explains in good detail the differences between the electrodes.
The only reason I could see to use E7016 for root is that the covering is slightly less thick as compared to E7018, so the welder might be able to access the bottom (root) of the weld joint more easily. It is much more common to use E6010 for the root followed by E7018 for the remainder fill.