Discussions on landslide types and seismic signals produced by the soil rupture due to seepage and retrogressive erosion

Abstract

Seismic signals are usually generated during landslides or movement of soil mass due to collisions and friction among the soil particles and masses. The seismic signals will be different when different sliding (movement) types occur. This study discusses the landslide process and seismic signals produced by soil ruptures to understand the nature of the signals, which could help in predicting landslides as well as understanding different landslide processes. Physical model tests were performed to record the seismic signals generated during the sliding processes. The self-potential (SP), pore water pressure (PP), and volumetric water content (VWC) were also measured to assist the interpretation of the failure processes. Based on the characteristics of the seismic signals recorded, three slide types were identified: intermittent slide, successive slide, and single slide. Precursor signals prior to the single slide event were found in both the seismic and SP signals and therefore the monitoring of these two kinds of precursors has the potential for real-world application in landslide prewarning. In addition, the landslide areas of the tests were correlated with Arias intensities (IA) in a linear relationship. The relationship has the potential to be implemented in estimating a landslide’s scale for a fast landslide response decision.