An integrated numerical model for landslide-generated waves: a case study of the Gongjiafang landslide, Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT Landslide is a frequent geological hazard in the Three Gorges reservoir area of China. Impulse waves could be created and cause substantial damage if the landslide collides with a water body. A nonlinear shallow water equation in combination with a progressive landslide model is proposed to simulate this catastrophic disaster. The proposed approach is distinguished by rapid calculation, less computational burden, and high practical value. By simulating the 2008 Three Gorges Reservoir Gongjiafang landslide and the subsequent impulse waves, we illustrated and validated this methodology. The initiation and motion processes of the landslide, as well as the generation, propagation, and run-up processes of impulse waves, were thoroughly performed. The simulation results were in good agreement with the field survey data, demonstrating the viability of the proposed approach for simulating the impulse waves triggered by landslide events. This numerical approach is beneficial for engineers to perform a preliminary estimation of landslide-generated waves and further facilitate the prevention and mitigation of geological hazards.