Impact Analysis of a Building Collapse Caused by a Rainfall-Induced Landslide in Kerala, India

Abstract

This study presents the experimental, numerical analysis, and dynamic impact analysis of a building collapse caused by a rainfall-induced landslide (vertical cut slope failure) on 15 August 2018, in Peringavu, Kerala, India, which resulted in the death of nine people. The volume of 1500 m3 soil-applied lateral thrust force on the building’s rear side led to its demolition. The study includes extensive geotechnical characterization. General limit equilibrium and finite element methods were used in the numerical analysis. The infiltration analysis involved a rainfall pattern of low, moderate, and higher intensities on the slope. The study involved a two-stage analysis. Firstly, the analysis of the vertical cut slope with the application rainfall intensities, and second, the analysis of the building under the dynamic impact of the landslide. As a result of the study, the failure mechanism of the vertical cut during intense rainfall and triggering factors were evaluated. The dynamic impact analysis was carried out to examine the effects of the impact of the landslide debris on the building and the performance of the building under the impact load. The load-bearing walls experienced high-intensity impact force developed by the landslide, resulting in the lateral displacement of 170 mm and differential settlement of 92 mm, which led to the building’s demolition. The flexural failures, excessive deflections, bending moments, foundation settlements, and displacement of structural elements were studied.