Failure mechanism and simulation for long run-out of the catastrophic rock landslide in the Shanyang Vanadium Mine,China

On 12th August 2015,a massive rapid long run-out rock landslide occurred in the Shanyang Vanadium Mine in Shaanxi Province,China,which claimed the lives of 65 miners.No heavy rainfalls,earthquakes,and mining blasts were recorded before the incident.Therefore,the failure mechanism and the cause of the long run-out movement are always in arguments.In this paper,we conducted a detailed field investigation,laboratory tests,block theory analysis,and numerical simulation to investigate the failure and long run-out mechanisms of the landslide.The field investigation results show that the source material of the rock landslide is a huge dolomite wedge block bedding on siliceous shale layers.Uniaxial compression tests indicate that the uniaxial compression strength of the intact dolomite is 130-140MPa and the dolomite shows a brittle failure mode.Due to the progressive downward erosion of the gully,the dolomite rock bridge at the slope toe became thinner.As the compression stress in the dolomite bridge increased to surpass its strength,the brittle failure of the bridge occurred.Then huge potential energy was released following the disintegration of the landslide,which led to the high acceleration of this rock landslide.The 3D discrete element simulation results suggest that the low intergranular friction contributes to the long run-out movement of this rock landslide.

Optimal mining sequence for coal faces under a bedding slope:insight from landslide prevention

Repetitive mining beneath bedding slopes is identified as a critical factor in geomorphic disturbances, especially landslides and surface subsidence. Prior research has largely concentrated on surface deformation in plains due to multi-seam coal mining and the instability of natural bedding slopes, yet the cumulative impact of different mining sequences on bedding slopes has been less explored. This study combines drone surveys and geological data to construct a comprehensive three-dimensional model of bedding slopes. Utilizing FLAC3D and PFC2D models, derived from laboratory experiments, it simulates stress, deformation, and failure dynamics of slopes under various mining sequences. Incorporating fractal dimension analysis, the research evaluates the stability of slopes in relation to different mining sequences. The findings reveal that mining in an upslope direction minimizes disruption to overlying strata. Initiating extraction from lower segments increases tensile-shear stress in coal pillar overburdens, resulting in greater creep deformation towards the downslope than when starting from upper segments, potentially leading to localized landslides and widespread creep deformation in mined-out areas. The downslope upward mining sequence exhibits the least fractal dimensions, indicating minimal disturbance to both strata and surface. While all five mining scenarios maintain good slope stability under normal conditions, recalibrated stability assessments based on fractal dimensions suggest that downslope upward mining offers the highest stability under rainfall, contrasting with the lower stability and potential instability risks of upslope downward mining. These insights are pivotal for mining operations and geological hazard mitigation in multi-seam coal exploitation on bedding slopes.

Uncertainties of landslide susceptibility prediction considering different landslide types

Most literature related to landslide susceptibility prediction only considers a single type of landslide,such as colluvial landslide,rock fall or debris flow,rather than different landslide types,which greatly affects susceptibility prediction performance.To construct efficient susceptibility prediction considering different landslide types,Huichang County in China is taken as example.Firstly,105 rock falls,350 colluvial landslides and 11 related environmental factors are identified.Then four machine learning models,namely logistic regression,multi-layer perception,support vector machine and C5.0 decision tree are applied for susceptibility modeling of rock fall and colluvial landslide.Thirdly,three different landslide susceptibility prediction(LSP)models considering landslide types based on C5.0 decision tree with excellent performance are constructed to generate final landslide susceptibility:(i)united method,which combines all landslide types directly;(ii)probability statistical method,which couples analyses of susceptibility indices under different landslide types based on probability formula;and(iii)maximum comparison method,which selects the maximum susceptibility index through comparing the predicted susceptibility indices under different types of landslides.Finally,uncertainties of landslide susceptibility are assessed by prediction accuracy,mean value and standard deviation.It is concluded that LSP results of the three coupled models considering landslide types basically conform to the spatial occurrence patterns of landslides in Huichang County.The united method has the best susceptibility prediction performance,followed by the probability method and maximum susceptibility method.More cases are needed to verify this result in-depth.LSP considering different landslide types is superior to that taking only a single type of landslide into account.

Integrated simulation and monitoring to analyze failure mechanism of the anti-dip layered slope with soft and hard rock interbedding

The significant difference between the mechanical properties of soft rock and hard rock results in the complexity of the failure mode of the anti-dip layered slope with soft and hard rock interbedding.In order to reveal the landslide mechanism,taking the north slope of Fushun West Open-pit Mine as an example,this paper analyzed the failure mechanism of different landslides with monitoring and field surveys,and simulated the evolution of landslides.The study indicated that when the green mudstone(hard rock)of the anti-dip slope contains siltized intercalations(soft rock),the existence of weak layers not only aggravates the toppling deformation of anti-dip layered slope with high dip,but also causes the shear failure of anti-dip layered slope with stable low dip.The shear failure including subsidence induced sliding and wedge failure mainly exists in the unloading zone of the slope.Its failure depth and failure time were far less than that of toppling failure.In terms of the development characteristics of deformation,toppling deformation has the long-term and progressive characteristics,but shear failure deformation has the abrupt and transient characteristics.This study has deepened the understanding of such slope landslide mechanism,and can provide reference for similar engineering.

Spatiotemporal distribution of regional landslides and erosion rates in Southeastern Tibet

The difficulty in estimating ages of regional landslides hampers to assess frequency of landslides and hence to quantitatively assess regional landslide hazard.In this study,we used radiocarbon dating of organic sediment on boulder rock varnish to estimate landslide ages in Langxian(LX)arid region in southeastern Tibet.Samples of rock varnish with organic sediment were collected on site for radiocarbon dating,leading to landslide ages from 1880±30 to 18,430±30 yr B.P.To measure surface roughness characteristics of 109 remotely-mapped large bedrock landslide deposits,we estimated average standard deviation of slope(SDS)over an area of~640 km^(2) by calculating the slope gradient of each raster cell and using a rectangular moving window method in Arc Map from a 5 m-resolution Digital Elevation Model generated from helicopterobtained photographs.Combing estimated landslide ages(t)with average surface roughness of mapped landslide deposits(R)quantified by SDS,we fit an exponential landslide deposits surface roughness-age function(t=1.47×10^(6)×e^(-1).46R,r2=0.63)that was used to estimate regional landslide ages in LX.We conclude that three periods with clusters of regional landslides in LX were revealed by different surface roughness of landslide deposits combing roughness-age function,with the values of 5563-7455 yr B.P.,1724-4151 yr B.P.,and 960-1287 yr B.P..Furthermore,we used our estimates of landslide ages to quantify landslide erosion rates of three corresponding hillslopes in LX ranging from 0.50 to 2.42 mm yr-1.Although rock varnish radiocarbon dating provides us a feasible option for timing regional landslides of arid regions,the epistemic uncertainty in the dating method should arouse our attention,which could be reduced by increasing the number of samples.

Experimental investigation on the failure mechanism of a rock landslide controlled by a steep-gentle discontinuity pair

A type of rock landslide is very common in practical engineering, whose stability is mainly controlled by the rock bridge between the steep tensile crack at the crest and the low-inclination weak discontinuities at the toe(namely, ligament is the term for the locking section in the slope). To obtain a deeper understanding into the failure process of this kind of landslide, twenty-four physical slope models containing a steep-gentle discontinuity pair(a steep crack in the upper part and a low-inclination discontinuity in the lower part) were tested by applying vertical loads at the crests. The results indicate that the inclination angle of the ligament(θ) has great influence on the failure and stability of this type of rock slope. With the change of θ, three failure patterns(five subtypes) concerning the tested slopes can be observed, i.e., tensile failure of the ligament(Type 1), tension-shear failure of the ligament(Type 2) and two-stage failure of the main body(Type 3). The failure process of each failure mode presents five stages in terms of crack development, vertical load, horizontal/vertical displacements and strains in the ligaments. The specific range of the ligament angle between different failure patterns is summarized. The discussion on the failure resistances and ductility of different failure patterns, and the guiding significances of the experimental findings to the stability evaluation and the reinforcement were conducted.

Mechanism of action of cracks water on rock landslide in rainfall

In worldwide, the most common triggering factor of rock landslides is extended and intense rainfall. However, different from the soil slope failure caused by softening action of infiltration rainwater, the mechanism of rock landslide in rainfall is not clear. From the view of fracture mechanics, the propagation of cracks on rock slope and the development of sliding surface were researched. Then based on hydraulics formulas and using Sweden arc method, the influence of crack water on stability of rock slope was quantitatively studied. Finally, an example was given to check the theoretical approach. The result shows that the development of sliding surface of rock slope is mainly caused by crack propagation under hydrostatic pressure when the stress intensity factor KI at crack tip is bigger than the toughness index of rock fractures Klc, and the failure of slope is the result of hydraulic action of crack water and the softening of materials on sliding surface when the depth of crack water is bigger than a minimum value hmin.

Large-scale Rock Landslide Slip Surface Location Analysis and Strength Parameters Evaluation

Large-scale rock landslides have huge impacts on various large-scale rock engineering and project operations. They are also important aspects evaluating geological disasters. In the initial evaluations on the stability of large-scale rock landslides, in most cases, it is difficult to conduct evaluation or to have accurate evaluations because most of large-scale rock landslides are huge in size, high in slopes, and located in the canyon of mountains, which makes the exploration very difficult and thus hard to get credible data on slip surface form, location, depth and strength. This paper describes the Badi landslide happened along the Lancang River, and systematically introduces methods to analyze and verify large-scale slip surface form using terrain conditions surrounding the large-scale landslide, shape of the slide walls, and development patterns of streams and gully. This paper also introduces ways to obtain strength parameters of slip surface with the soil in the slide zone by using the principles of stress state, principles of gravity compaction, structure regeneration and strength regeneration. It is confirmed that analyzed results to the slip surface are basically consistent with the exploration results. The methods introduced here have been successfully applied to evaluate the stability of Badi large-scale rock landslide and have been applied in engineering practices.

Failure Mechanisms of Post-Earthquake Bedrock Landslides in Response to Rainfall Infiltration

Among the triggering factors of postearthquake bedrock landslides, rainfall plays an important role. However, with slope variation, the mechanism of its effects on the failure of rock landslides is not dear. Here, from the viewpoint of fracture mechanics, and based on post-earthquake conditions, the mechanisms of crack propagation, water infiltration and development of the sliding surface were investigated. Then, according to the upper boundary theorem, the effects of water infiltrated into fractures on the stability of rock slopes were analyzed quantitatively. Finally, an example is presented to verify the theory. The results show that the propagation and coalescence of cracks and the lubrication of incipient sliding surfaces are the main causes of the failure of post-earthquake rock landslides in response to rainfall.

The Identification of Large-Giant Bedrock Landslides Triggered by Earthquake in the Longmenshan Tectonic Belt

The identification of large-giant bedrock landslides triggered by earthquake aims to the landslide prevention and control. Previous studies have described the basic characteristics, distribution, and the formation mechanism of seismic landslides （Bijan Khazai et al., 2003; Chong Xu et al., 2013; Lewis a. Owen et al., 2008; Randall W. Jibson et al., 2006）. However, few researches have focused on the early identification indicators of large-giant bedrock landslides triggered by earthquake （David k. Keefer., 1984; Janusz Wasowski et al., 2011; Alexander L.Strom., 2009; Patrick Meunier et al., 2008; Shahriar Vahdani et al., 2002; Bijan Khazai et al., 2003）. This paper presents the identification indicators of large-giant bedrock landslides triggered by earthquake in the Longmenshan tectonic belt on the basic of their characteristics, distribution and the relationship between seismic landslides and the peak ground motion acceleration.

The Volume Calculation Method of Rock Collapses and Loess Landslides Triggered by the 1556 AD Huaxian M81/2 Earthquake in Shaanxi Province, China

Accurate volume calculation of each individual landslide triggered by strong historical earthquakes can help understand the characteristics of the typical earthquake-induced landslides,thus providing significant information for the modification of the focal parameters of historical earthquakes.In this study,we select one rock fall and three loess landslides triggered by the 1556 AD Huaxian M8⅟􀄟earthquake,compute their volumes using the low-altitude high-precision Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV)photogrammetry and landslide profile restoration methods.The results show that:①the whole influencing area of the Huangjiagou Rock Fall is approximately 3.03×105 m2 and the area of the collapsed rock accumulated at the slope foot is 3.33×104 m2,accounting for approximately 10%of the entire influencing range.However,the estimated volume of the collapsed rock is only 0.699×106 m3,indicating a rock fall with large influencing range but limited collapsed rock;②the geological form of thethree loess landslides are preserved intactly,with volumes of 0.283×108 m3,0.074×108 m3,and 0.377×108 m3.These important geological hazard relics reflect the strong vibrations and severe casualties in the meizoseismal area;③loess landslides are the key reason of the serious death toll in the hilly-gully loess area.Our new method can be used to estimate the influencing area and the actual volume of each individual landslide,and rationally evaluate the role of earthquake landslides in the disaster.In addition,quantitative research on secondary disasters triggered by strong historical earthquakes is beneficial for understanding the surface process and focal parameters of the earthquakes.

Identification of Soil, Rock and Tecto-Volcanism on Landslides in Tondano Watershed

This research was aimed to identify the soil, rock, and tecto-volcanism in their association with landslides intensity in Tondano watershed. The methods were survey method （soil, rock, and geomorphology）, joint data processing with stereonet 8, X-ray diffractometers for clay mineral identification, and earthquake data processing with GIS 10.2 Software. The magnitude of earthquake was 4-5.4 mb that resulted from tecto-volcanism activity. The earthquake caused the instability of soil and rock, especially in fault zones. The rock has been strong deformed with the highly developed intensity of fractures （advanced stage）. Soil dominated by Kaolinite and vermiculite minerals causes the instability conditions when it is saturated, while the nature of the bedrock with massive open fracture pattern causes the shear strength of the rocks decreases and on the contrary, the shear stress increases. Rainfall intensity is 73-145 mm/day that becomes a major factor of increased soil mass and burdening factor of the unstable rock. Slope is a factor that supports the intensity of mass movements of rock and soil in the form of shallow landslides.

Slope stability analysis of Balia Nala landslide, Kumaun Lesser Himalaya, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India

Balia Nala is the outlet of the Nainital lake, flowing towards southeast direction. Presence of Nainital habitation at its right bank has high socio-economic importance. This study presents the stability analysis of a ravine/valley along Balia Nala. Variegated slates(lower Krol and upper Blaini formations) are the main rock types, wherever the outcrop does exist and rest of the area is covered by slope wash and river borne materials. Three sets of joints are presented in the area, but 4 sets of joints also exist at some locations. Nainital lake fault intersected by Manora fault from southwest direction passes through eastern side of the study area, and some small faults, which are sub-branches of Nainital lake fault, are observed(with 10 m offset) and promote the landslide in the area. This study shows that different kinds of discontinuities(joints, faults and shear zones) and rapid down cutting by the stream due to neotectonic activity affect the stability of the slope. The fragile lithology and deep V-shaped valley further accelerate the mass movement in the study area. In addition, rock mass rating(RMR), factor of safety(FOS) and graphical analysis of the joints indicate the study area as landslide-prone zone. This study will be helpful in not only reducing the risk on life of people, but also in assisting the ongoing civil work in the study area.

On the initiation,movement and deposition of a large landslide in Maoxian County,China

At 5 am 24 th June 2017, a catastrophic landslide hit Xinmo Village, Maoxian County, Sichuan Province, China. The slide mass rushed down from an altitude of 3400 m and traveled 2700 m in a high velocity. The 13 million m^3 deposition buried the whole village and caused about 100 deaths. The source area of the landslide is located in a high steep slope, average slope angle is 40o and maximal angle is 65o. The strata are interbedded Triassic Zagunao Formation metamorphic sandstone and slate with the dip slope angle of 45°. Based on high-resolution satellite remote sensing image, UAV image, DEM data, and field investigation, failure mechanism, travel features, and deposit characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that this landslide was influenced by Songpinggou Fault zone. According to the topography before the failure, the landslide is located in the back scarp of an antecedent landslide induced by Diexi Earthquake in 1933. The bedding slope provided potential rupture surface. Historical seismic activities and long-term gravitational deformation caused rock mass accumulated damages. Weathering and precipitation weakened the rock mass and finally induced shearing and tension failure. A huge block detached from the top rock slope, pushed the past landslide deposits in the middle part, rushed out of the slope bottom in a high velocity and buried the Xinmo Village. The rapid movement entrained and brought the soil into the Songping Gully which recoiled with and bounced back from the opposite mountain.

Characteristics and triggering mechanism of Xinmo landslide on 24 June 2017 in Sichuan, China

At 5: 39 AM on 24 June 2017, a huge landslide-debris avalanche occurred on Fugui Mountain at Xinmo village, Diexi town, Maoxian county, Sichuan province, China. The debris blocked the Songpinggou River for about 2 km, resulting in a heavy loss of both human lives and properties(10 deaths, 3 injuries, 73 missing, and 103 houses completely destroyed). The objectives of this paper are to understand the overall process and triggering factors of this landslide and to explore the affecting factors for its long term evolution before failure. Post event surveys were carried out the day after the landslide occurrence. Information was gathered from literature and on-site investigation and measurement. Topography, landforms, lithology, geological setting, earthquake history, meteorological and hydrological data of the area were analysed. Aerial photographs and other remote sensing information were used for evaluation and discussion. Eye witnesses also provided a lot of helpful information for us to understand the process of initiation, development and deposition. The depositional characteristics of the moving material as well as the traces of the movement,the structural features of the main scarp and the seismic waves induced by the slide are presented and discussed in detail in this paper. The results show that the mechanism of the landslide is a sudden rupture of the main block caused by the instability of a secondary block at a higher position. After the initiation, the failed rock mass at higher position overloaded the main block at the lower elevation and collapsed in tandem. Fragmentation of the rock mass occurred later, thus forming a debris avalanche with high mobility. This landslide case indicates that such seismic events could influence geological hazards for over 80 years and this study provides reference to the long term susceptibility and risk assessment of secondary geological hazards from earthquake.

Giant Landslides Triggered by the 1718 Tongwei Earthquake in Pan'an, Gansu Province, China

Great earthquakes in mountain areas always trigger severe geologic hazards such as landslides, debris flows and rock falls, thereby causing tremendous property damage and casualties. On 19th June, 1781, a Ms 7.5 earthquake occurred in Tongwei of Pan＇an, Gansu Province, west China,

Relationship between Landslides, Geologic Structures, and Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in the Ohekisawa-Shikerebembetsugawa Landslide Area, Hokkaido, Japan

This paper elucidates the relationship between landslides, geologic structures, and hydrothermal alteration zones based primarily on X-ray powder diffraction and uniaxial compressive strength tests on weakly weathered and hydrothermally altered rocks from the Ohekisawa-Shikerebembetsugawa landslide area in Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido, Japan. The OHS （Ohekisawa slide） occurred on a dip slope of sedimentary rocks from the Upper Miocene Shikerepe Formation within a homocline, and also on weathered and hydrothermally altered rocks within the boundary area between the hydrothermal smectite zone and smectite-bearing mordenite zone. The SHS （Shikerebembetsugawa slide） occurred on a dip slope of sedimentary rocks from the Upper Miocene Hanakushibe Formation within wavy folds and was also controlled by a cap rock of Teshikaga Volcano Somma Lava. The SHS occurred also on weathered and hydrothermally altered rocks within the boundary area between the hydrothermal smectite zone and smectite-bearing laumontite zone. The mechanical properties of smectite, smectite-bearing mordenite, and smectite-bearing laumontite zone weakly weathered rocks indicate that they are very weak, soft rocks. These landslides are regarded as HAZLs （hydrothermal alteration zone landslides）. The hydrothermal alteration yielding smectite is thus closely related to these two ancient landslides, suggesting that the potential for HAZLs within a hydrothermal area can be assessed based on the swelling clay mineral-beating hydrothermal alteration types, dip slope, and cap rock.

重结晶碳酸盐ESR年代学在碳酸盐岩基岩区断层和滑坡活动性研究中的应用进展

开展发震断层活动历史研究是地震、滑坡等自然灾害研究和防治的基础,年代测定一直是断层活动历史研究的热点和难点。在缺乏第四纪沉积物的碳酸盐岩基岩区,宇生核素暴露测年是确定断层活动历史的主要手段,但测年结果受曝露面表面风化、侵蚀和溶蚀作用影响较大。碳酸盐是ESR年代学研究的主要测年矿物之一,可以测量碳酸盐的结晶年龄。在碳酸盐岩基岩区的大型断层面和滑坡滑动面上,因高速摩擦生热可形成重结晶碳酸盐,为ESR测年提供了可靠的测年计时零点,有望通过ESR测年法获得重结晶碳酸盐的结晶年龄,即断层和滑坡最近一次的活动时代。以往用于ESR测年的碳酸盐都是自生碳酸盐,如珊瑚、石笋、文石等,尚未对断层和滑坡滑动面上的重结晶碳酸盐开展过相关研究。因此,文中介绍了重结晶碳酸盐ESR测年的最新研究,以丽江-小金河断裂剑川剖面的断层面和小江断裂与则木河断裂交会处的巧家滑坡后缘滑动面上的重结晶碳酸盐为研究对象,通过微观结构观察、热退火实验、光晒退实验及与前人的沉积物14C和光释光测年结果进行比对等,对将重结晶碳酸盐ESR测年法用于碳酸盐岩基岩区断层和滑坡活动性分析的可行性和可靠性进行分析和论证,并建立了重结晶碳酸盐ESR测年技术,该技术可广泛地用于碳酸盐岩基岩区的断层和滑坡活动历史研究。

金沙江上游白格滑坡黏土化蚀变岩的灾变力学行为研究

金沙江构造结合带是典型的板块碰撞作用形成的构造混杂岩带,不仅地质结构复杂,而且发育了工程特性极差的特殊岩土体。本文在金沙江上游白格滑坡成因机理调查与分析过程中,新发现了巨型滑坡体后缘滑壁发育厚度较大、分布较连续的黏土化蚀变岩,是构成滑动带的重要组分。基于相关样品的原位测试和室内系统的物质组成、耐崩解、环形剪切、动三轴等物理力学试验研究,揭示了黏土化蚀变岩的灾变力学特性及其在白格滑坡形成演化中的作用。主要结论如下:1)白格滑坡黏土化蚀变岩是金沙江构造结合带中蛇绿岩蚀变的产物,蚀变程度高,蚀变系数介于0.64~0.86之间,黏土矿物成分以伊利石为主、伊/蒙混层矿物次之,遇水极易崩解,崩解指数达50%以上;2)黏土化蚀变岩中工程性质最差的是蚀变黏土,水和振动荷载作用下剪切强度弱化显著,含水率由10%增至20%后剪切强度降幅达34%,动强度远小于其静强度,并随着振动次数的增加不断降低,蚀变黏土是促进斜坡岩体结构面贯通、破坏的重要因素;3)白格滑坡滑动面的形成受节理结构面与黏土化蚀变岩联合控制,整体上可分为2种模式:黏土化蚀变岩厚层软弱夹层型和充填节理裂隙贯通型;4)金沙江上游发育的不少巨型高位滑坡与黏土化蚀变岩不良工程特性具有密切的关系,岩体结构与特殊岩性的组合是值得关注的区域性易滑地质结构。以上结论对于青藏高原东缘大江大河岸坡稳定性分析和防灾减灾具有较好的启示意义。

破碎岩体隧道洞口开挖诱导滑坡与古滑坡耦合分析

以大栗树高速公路隧道洞口施工为工程背景,研究了在考虑古滑坡因素下洞口工作面边坡失稳及其加固技术。利用钻孔测斜数据(BCD)和Midas GTS折减强度有限元分析模型,分别推测了最危险滑动面,得知两者滑动面位置相似。并采用不平衡推力传递法,基于BCD推断滑动面计算安全系数。以BCD和有限元法的滑动面为基础,将滑动面近似假设为对数螺旋线,考虑地形因素,建立考虑多台阶边坡上限分析模型,研究了不同加固措施对边坡稳定的影响。结果表明,3种方法计算出的边坡安全系数结果相近。