A physical model considered the effect of overland water flow on rainfall-induced shallow landslides

Yu Luo,Si-Ming He,Fang-Zhu Chen,Xin-Po Li,Jin-Chuan He

doi:10.1186/s40677-015-0017-6

Abstract

Abstract Background It is well know that many shallow landslides are triggered by rainfalls. In previous studies of shallow landslide models, the effect of overland water flow on slope stability was ignored. Results In this paper, a physical model considered the effect of overland water flow on rainfall-induced shallow landslides is derived and applied to predict the landslides. The slope stability model is developed by considering the depth of overland water flow in infinite slope stability theory. Hillslope hydrology is modelled by coupling the overland uniform water flow equation with Rosso’s seepage flow equation. And then, the model is used to assess the slope stability in Dujiangyan of China, and the results is compare with Rosso’s model. Conclusions This model is simple, but has the capability of taking into account the effect of overland water flow in the triggering mechanism of shallow landslide. The results of case study show that the overland water flow can make an obvious effect on shallow landslides, so it is quite important to consider the overland water flow in shallow landslide hazard assessment.

Highlights

It is well know that many shallow landslides are triggered by rainfalls
Based on the physical-based model presented by Rosso et al (2006), the present paper considers the effect of overland flow on shallow landslide stability and presents a new model for mapping areas prone to rainfall-induced shallow landslides
The hillslope hydrology model was applied to predict the variation of groundwater height and overland water flow depth in Dujiangyan under rainfall

Summary

Introduction

It is well know that many shallow landslides are triggered by rainfalls. Landslides are one of the most serious geological hazards in mountainous areas. External environmental factors, such as rainfall, earthquakes and human activities, may all result in landslides. Much data indicate that about 90% of landslides are triggered by rainfall or related to rain (Li et al 2004; Xu et al 2005; Liu et al 2007). Research on rainfall-induced landslides, especially shallow landslides, has been a favourite topic for researchers. These researchers have the goal of developing a more reasonable landslide model to predict rainfall-induced landslides in order to reduce loss of human life and property. Two approaches are commonly used: empirical approaches and physical-based model

Methods

Results

Conclusion