Failure Mechanisms of the Landslides Triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, China

Abstract

Taking the landslides triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake as examples, their dynamic responses with different epicenter distances due to single and combined action with regionality and spatial heterogeneity of the Primary and Secondary waves were simulated by applying the Universal Distinct Element Code software. The results shows that the slope suffered from the combined action between P and S waves appears instability prior to the slope under single action of P wave. With the epicenter distance increasing, the key controlling factor resulting in the slope failure varies from the combined seismic action between P and S waves to the single seismic action of the P wave. As for the formation mechanism of slope instability, coupled action between the vertical and horizontal seismic forces results in the slope dynamic failure with key action varying from the vertical to the horizontal one. Finally, the initial instability originates always at slope shoulder due to the peak ground acceleration amplification effect and the variation trend of the slope mechanical parameters on its fracturing of the seismic action.