Physical modelling investigation of a 3-stage landslide prevention system: case study

Abstract

A study was conducted to propose and assess the suitability of a structural design for landslide prevention system consisting of flexible barriers, concrete baffles and rigid barrier. A 1:20 scale model of the landslide system was conducted to observe the impact of a flexible barrier, the concrete baffle configurations and the appropriate rigid barrier height. Soils samples from site were also analysed to identify and characterize the soil properties. The experiments were conducted by varying the soil moisture content of the soils for the flexible barrier and concrete baffles. Results obtained showed that the flexible barrier is permanently deformed when the soil moisture is 26%. The configuration of several types of concrete baffles were studied where for unobstructed flow, the use of two rows of baffles had increased the degree of transverse blockage from 23% to 35% and provided up to 75% run-out distance reduction. A cantilever retaining wall is designed as a rigid barrier to ensure adequate retention and to prevent overflowing if the flexible barrier and concrete baffles failed. The combination of three different barriers was assessed and the result showed that the run-out distance was significantly decreased by 47 percent compared to unobstructed flow.