Study on the Geotechnical Property Changes of Loess after Seismic Landslides—A Case Study of the Subao Loess Landslide in Ningxia, China

Abstract

This study aims to explore the differences between the loess and landslide deposits, focusing on aspects such as particle distribution, consolidation characteristics, and the dynamic shear modulus. Through a series of experiments, the research reveals the similarities and differences between these two entities, yielding several key findings. Firstly, the process of landsliding disrupts the original structure of the loess, resulting in a reduction in porosity and a densification of the soil. Additionally, the movement and sorting of particles during the landslides cause variations in particle size distribution across different sections of the landslide deposits. Secondly, the landslide process not only alters the soil’s structure but also changes the particle sizes within the loess. Particle wear and sieving results in the transformation of larger particles into smaller ones, leading to a more uniform particle size distribution. This shift in the structure and particle size directly impacts the consolidation characteristics of landslide deposits, resulting in a substantial reduction in the compression coefficient. Despite undergoing consolidation for decades, the middle and lower sections of the landslide deposits still exhibit under-consolidation. Although the differences in the maximum dynamic shear modulus between the loess and landslide deposits at varying depths are relatively minor, differences in the porosity and consolidation characteristics lead to faster decay rates of the dynamic shear modulus for the latter. The study also highlights a reduction in the water sensitivity of the maximum dynamic shear modulus within the landslide deposits. Based on the experimental results, a predictive model is proposed, utilizing the A and m values to estimate the maximum dynamic shear modulus of both the loess and landslide deposits. In conclusion, this research uncovers the impact of landslide processes on the structure and properties of the loess, providing an insightful understanding into the disparities between these two entities.