Deep-Seated Slope Failures Induced by Inappropriate Cutting in China

Abstract

Given insufficient geological investigation and inadequate interpretation of geological settings, remedial works for localized cut slope collapses may induce large-scale failures and cause remarkable damage, as well as economical loss. A number of recent reports have addressed individual large-scale failures due to inappropriate cutting, but the systematic classification of failure patterns has received less attention. In this study, a re-profiling triggered landslide is described in detail. The deep slip surface is located by field measurements; then, the stability of the slope before and after cutting is assessed with the limit equilibrium method. Three types of slopes prone to deep-seated failures are introduced: the loose deposits type, the ancient landslide type, and the deep adverse discontinuities type. The mechanism of each failure pattern is illustrated with a case study. The stability analyses indicate that inappropriate slope profiling may greatly reduce the factor of safety (FS) of a slope. Recommendations are given for mitigating the deep-seated landslide induced by inappropriate cutting, and a case history of successful measures is presented.