Engineering Geological Conditions Research Articles

On the question of engineering and geological zoning of territories within local tectonic structures

The relevance of the research lies in the approach to assessing the engineering-geological conditions within the local tectonic structures and their role in the formation of the properties of rocks and the state of the massifs composed by them. The formulation of the question regarding the rocks of the red-colored terrigenous formation as a separate object of engineering and geological research allows us to take into account the features of the history and mechanism of development of local structures, as well as their influence on the reaction of rocks in this case. Particular attention is paid to the role of tectonic fracturing as a consequence of the mechanism of development of local structures and its influence on the activation of hypergenesis processes. An analysis of the behavior of rocks during the development of local structures and the response of the massif to changes in the state of rocks and the activation of hypergenesis processes was carried out, which, in turn, determined the engineering-geological situation at the current moment. Particular attention was paid to the assessment of tectonic fracturing, identification of weakened zones and criteria confirming the correctness of their identification. The methods used in solving the tasks were reduced to a comprehensive study of local structures: the study of the history of their development, size, amplitude of uplift of the foundation, instrumental survey of fracturing in outcrops with subsequent construction of a map of fracturing, sampling, laboratory studies of the structure and properties of rocks, fixation of exogenous processes within the structure. The results of the research were the established dependences of the influence of tectonic fracturing on the state of rocks at three levels: the microlevel (the reaction of the minerals of the constituent rocks at the level of the crystal lattice in the form of defects that have arisen); mesolevel (changes in the physical and mechanical properties of rocks); macrolevel (activation of exogenous processes). Thus, criteria have been defined that allow using them to confirm the correctness of the selection of the most fractured sections of the massif. The correctness of the methodology for identifying zones of increased fracturing within local structures is confirmed by the criteria that were used to solve this problem. It can be used as a basis for large-scale geotechnical zoning within local tectonic structures.

Ground Movement in the Hanging Wall of Underground Iron Mines with Steeply Dipping Discontinuities: A Case Study.

To ensure the safety of underground mining activities and effectively protect the surface production facilities and houses of the nearby residents, the ground movement caused by the sublevel caving method needs to be studied. In this work, the failure behaviors of the surface and drift of the surrounding rock were investigated based on the results of in situ failure investigations, monitoring data, and engineering geological conditions. The results were then combined with theoretical analysis to reveal the mechanism responsible for the movement of the hanging wall. Driven by the in situ horizontal ground stress, horizontal displacement plays an imperative role in both the movement of the ground surface and underground drifts. Accelerated movement is found to occur in the ground surface which coincides with the occurrence of drift failure. Failure occurs in the deep rock masses and then gradually propagates to the surface. The steeply dipping discontinuities are the main reason for the unique ground movement mechanism in the hanging wall. As steeply dipping joints cut through the rock mass, the rock surrounding the hanging wall can be modeled as cantilever beams subjected to in situ horizontal ground stress and lateral stress due to caved rock. This model can be used to obtain a modified formula for toppling failure. Also, a mechanism of fault slipping was proposed, and the condition required for fault slipping was obtained. Based on the failure mechanism of steeply dipping discontinuities, the ground movement mechanism was proposed considering the horizontal in situ ground stress and caved rock mass: slippage of fault F3, slippage of fault F4, and toppling of rock columns. Based on the unique ground movement mechanism, the goaf surrounding rock mass could be divided into six zones: a caved zone, a failure zone, a toppling-slipping zone, a toppling-deformation zone, a fault-slipping zone, and a movement-deformation zone.

Study on Prevention and Control of Confined Water Hazard in Deep Resource Exploitation: Scientific Basis of “GCD-D” Design

Deep mining of resources has destroyed the stress balance of original rock, formed water gushing channel, and caused the outburst of confined water, thus causing disaster. At present, “Ground Controlled Directional Bedding Branch Drilling (GCD-D)” grouting has achieved remarkable results in controlling water disasters. However, “what is the scientific design principle of GCD-D?” This key scientific question has not yet been answered by systematic science. According to the regional engineering geology and hydrogeological conditions of North China-type coalfields, this study uses the methods of analogy, theoretical analysis, and model analysis to demonstrate and analyze and obtains six basic principles for the selection of the target layer for the layout of “GCD-D.” The design principle of “GCD-D” was put forward for the first time. The results can provide a scientific theoretical basis for the control of confined water disaster in deep mining of North China coalfields.

Application of vibration wave CT technology in the dynamic prediction of shock hazards

The vibration wave CT detection technology could be used for forecasting dynamic disasters such as coal and gas outburst and rock burst in coal mines as well as for dynamic monitoring and warning of impact risks. Based on the positive correlation between stress and vibration wave velocity and the positive abnormal distribution of vibration wave velocity, the impact danger area could be determined. Two evaluation indexes on the impact risk were constructed: the anomalous coefficient An and abnormal value Am of the gradient variation coefficient (VG) of wave velocity. The critical values of the two indexes corresponding to the impact risk degree were given. In addition, the field engineering practice was carried out by using the inversion results of vibration wave CT detection technology. Combined with the field engineering geological conditions, the impact risk area of the F15-24080 working face was defined comprehensively. The results showed high precision of this CT detection technology. Vibration wave CT detection technology could make dynamic prediction and evaluation of the impact risk on a site and provide guidance and test for the formulation and implementation effect of pressure relief measures in high-impact danger areas.

Комплексная оценка геотехнических рисков в шахтном и подземном строительстве

Introduction. Projects for the construction of underground structures and mines often involve significant geotechnical risks. The uncertainty associated with geotechnical conditions implies the development of a specific approach to making design and constructive decisions. Even after a thorough geotechnical study, the ability to accurately predict the behavior of adjacent rock massif is often difficult due to the large number of engineering-geological and hydro-geological variables. Most of the identified risks can be eliminated at the design stage. Residual risks should be subjected to a comprehensive assessment, including qualitative and quantitative analysis and calculations of damage from potential risk and technical and economic efficiency of the adopted design decision. Objective. Complex estimation of geotechnical risks in mine and underground construction based on the analysis of indicators of the implementation of accidents by mining-geological and mining-technical factors, taking into account the use of special methods of construction. Methodology. A сomplex estimation of geotechnical risks was carried out on the basis of the theory of emergency risk using methods of mathematical statistics, probability theory; the method of expert assessments to obtain the values of vulnerability coefficients of the applied technologies of mine and underground construction. The developed methodology includes several stages. At the first stage of a сomplex risk estimation, it is necessary to rank the geotechnical risk factors selected for analysis, for which a concordance coefficient is introduced. When analyzing each of the emerging geotechnical figures during the construction of a specific underground or mine construction facility, one of the defining indicators is the numerical expression of the potential damage from the occurrence of an emergency situation, which represents the percentage ratio of the excess of the construction period in real practice to the same indicator laid down in the project, or the ratio of the increase in the cost of construction to the estimated cost. Next, the numerical value of each type of risk is determined and a scale of numerical values of risks is compiled, on the basis of which decisions are made on the management of each specific risk. At the end, the vulnerability of a mine or underground construction facility under construction is determined, i.e. the degree of its possible damage and destruction when exposed to abnormal situations of a natural and man-made nature. Results and discussion. A methodology has been developed for the сomplex estimation of geotechnical risk in mine and underground construction based on the ranking of risks according to the degree of vulnerability of the technologies used. Ranking of construction objects by their vulnerability to various impacts allows us to assess the correlation between the values of the parameters and the qualitative characteristics of the elements of the “mining – rock mass – construction technology” system and the factors that lead to the development of potential damage. In the course of the research, a generalized indicator of the predicted geotechnical risk was identified, which allows taking into account the impact of construction methods on the risk. Since mine workings are currently being built mainly in complex hydro-geological and engineering-geological conditions, the calculation of the generalized indicator focuses on the use of special construction methods, which required the introduction of correction factors to calculate the indicator of the predicted geotechnical risk. The values of correction coefficients for the most used special methods were obtained by the method of expert assessments. Conclusions. One of the important aspects of a сomplex estimation of geotechnical risks in mine and underground construction is to determine the vulnerability of the “mining - rock mass – technology” system. Vulnerability depends on the location of the mine, its cross-section, engineering-geological and hydro-geological conditions, mode of operation, reliability of load-bearing and fencing, etc. By the method of сomplex estimation, vulnerability coefficients of underground structures under construction and mine workings were obtained, as well as correction coefficients taking into account the construction method.

Survey of overpass foundation in engineering-geological condition of Kazakhstan

The aim of the work is to present the results of the inspection of the foundations of the overpass and to determine the causes of the defects. This is a particularly relevant task for countries with a large and extensive territory, such as Kazakhstan. This area is located in the centre of Eurasia, where many international routes between Europe and Asian countries have crossed since ancient times until the present day. One of the main international highways is Yekaterinburg - Almaty (2336 km), which is one of the main transport routes between Russia and Kazakhstan. This road was intensively reconstructed in 2013. An overpass was built on the 1114-1137 km section of the Yekaterinburg - Almaty Road. Unfortunately, there was downtime in the construction process. It is therefore proposed to inspect the foundations of the structures, the subgrade soil before continuing the construction. The overpass is located in the village of Zhaltyr, Akmola region.

Investigation of Road Systems in Engineeringgeological Condition of Kazakhstan

The purpose of the work is to present the results of the overpass structural survey and to determine the causes of the structural defects. Especially it is urgent task for countries with big and vast territory such as Kazakhstan. The territory is located in center of Eurasia, where are intersected many international ways between Europe and Asian countries from Ancient times to nowadays. One of the main international highway road is Yekaterinburg – Almaty (2336 km) which is one of main transportation road between Russia and Kazakhstan. Reconstruction of this road was done intensively in 2013. There is overpass construction which is constructed on section 1114-1137 km of Yekaterinburg – Almaty road. Unfortunately, deformation of bearing structures of overpass are detected during construction process. Therefore, it is proposed observation of deformed structures, soil ground. Before continuing construction process. The overpass is located in Zhaltyr village of Akmola region

Anthropogenic factors as determinants of deformation and damage of a bridge structure founded on clayed ground – a case study

Bridges are often built in complex geological-engineering conditions, on difficult soils, landslide areas or within the range of negative mining influences. These objects are classified as geotechnical category II or III and a ground investigation documentation or geotechnical design should be carried out for them. The correct investigation of the soil, design, and execution in accordance with technical knowledge, the art of construction and the Building Code are a guarantee of the safety of the facility. However, very often it is the complexity of the geological structure, concentrated vertical and horizontal loads transferred by the supports to the soil that make it necessary to use deep foundations, special methods of soil reinforcement and imposing a special technological regime during the execution of construction works. The paper pays attention to anthropogenic and natural factors, as well as those that are the consequence of inappropriate human actions at the design or execution stage. Particular attention is paid to errors in the soil analysis and execution of construction works. An example of such errors analysis is presented in relation to the implementation of a bridge structure.

Hydrogeological conditions of Irpin and their influence on the city’s engineering protection and construction assessment

The scheme of engineering-construction assessment, which is created based on engineering geological zoning of the city’s territory is desirable among additional graphic materials in the design of master plans projects as determined by state building norms [State…, 2012]. Engineering geological zoning provides for different ranks’ selection of taxonomic engineering-geological (EG) units, which have a particular range of common engineering geological conditions that ultimately determine the construction sites’ affiliation to a specific suitability category. Geological-lithological structure and hydrogeological conditions of the Irpin city, Kyiv region are investigated, and the types and degrees ofgroundwater aggressiveness, chemical composition, and mineralization of groundwater, the depths of the first aquifers from the day surface are highlighted in this article. A variant of the creation of large-scale maps of groundwater depth and chemistry based on a hydrogeological survey conducting is presented. The analysis of hydrogeological circumstances of the city’s territory lays the foundations for the selection of engineering-geological sites based on the comparison of this information with geomorphological, engineering-geological and geodynamic data. Complexity assessment of hydrogeological conditions and accounting of hydrogeological factors for the construction assessment scheme and selection of corresponding measures of engineering training and protection of the problem construction sites has become an ultimate result.

A Study on the Instability Mechanisms of Coal Pillars in Shallow Coal Seams Group Mining

To explore the instability mechanisms of coal pillars in the upper coal during coal seam group mining in the Yulin area and hence to achieve safe and green mining of the lower coal seams, the engineering geological condition for no. 3−1, no. 4−2, and no. 5−2 coal seams in the north-second panel area of Hongliulin Coal Mine was investigated in this article. Using the combination of physical simulation, FLAC3D numerical calculation, and theoretical analysis, the instability mechanisms, the characteristics of the fracture structure, and fracture evolution between the coal pillars and the interval rocks were all studied. The results showed that a layout position existed that induced instability and subsidence of the coal pillars of the upper coal seam. The instability mechanism was such that the concentrated stress of the upper and lower coal pillars caused shear plastic damage in the interval rock along the direction of stress-transfer influence angle. The phenomenon of “inclined step beam” fracture structure, falling fracture zone, and severe mine pressure happened during seam group mining. Furthermore, the minimum center offset formula was put forward to study the instability of the upper coal pillars. This study provides a theoretical basis for a reasonable layout on how to position coal pillars for shallow coal seams group mining.

Description of Engineering-Geological Conditions of "Khobi 2 HPP" Construction Diversion Tunnel (from pk 4+200 to pk 4+500) and Assessment of Surrounding Massif

Hydrotechnical facilities represent hard complex of structures, the design and construction of which requires a large volume of detailed engineering-geological substantiation. Using of water resources shall be carried out in complex and hydrographic network of our country is no exception in this regard. The actuality of the issue is obvious; therefore, various geological processes require special study, which is necessary condition for the rational design and construction of hydrotechnical facilities. In hydrotechnical construction practice there are many cases when, due to improper assessment of geological conditions, structure deformations, failures and sometimes cataclysms took place. The investigation territory is located in Chkhorotsku region, close to the village Mukhuri. The territory represents the hilly exposition covered with deciduous forest and is free from constructions. At the mentioned territory construction of “Khobi 2 HPP” hydrotechnical complex is considered by the project, which consists of the following: headworks, powerhouse, 6.6 km long tunnel and 0.8 km long penstock. The capacity of HPP is 45 MW.

Large-Deformation Failure Mechanism and Stability Control of a Swelling Soft Rock Roadway in a Sea Area: A Case Study in Eastern China

Coal mining in sea areas has higher requirements for geological support systems, technical equipment levels, and safety production capacities because of the complex engineering geological conditions of underwater coal mines. In this paper, the deformation failure mechanism and stability control of a typical swelling soft rock roadway in the Beizao coal mine in a sea area are studied. A series of mechanical experiments and theoretical analyses were conducted to research the mechanical properties and reasons for the deformation failure of the swelling soft rock roadway. The type of the large-deformation failure mechanism of the soft rock roadway was identified as type IIIABC, which could be converted to a simple one, such as type IIB. The proposed stability control measure, containing constant-resistance large-deformation bolts, steel mesh, floor hollow grouting cables, and steel fiber concrete, was applied to the site. A good supporting effect was achieved, which could provide a beneficial reference for swelling soft rock roadways in sea areas.

Safety level assessment of shield tunneling in water rich sandy pebble strata with large particle size

Shield tunneling method is widely used in urban metro construction. The construction stability is closely related to the engineering geological conditions. Sandy pebble strata have a loose structure and low cohesion, resulting in great engineering-induced stratigraphic disturbance. Meanwhile, the high water-abundance and strong permeability are extremely detrimental to construction safety. It is of great significance to evaluate the dangerousness of shield tunneling in water-rich pebble strata with large particle size. In this paper, risk assessment of engineering practice is carried through with Chengdu metro project in China as a case study. Referring to the special engineering situations and assessment workload, seven evaluation indices, including compressive strength of pebble layer, boulder volume content, permeability coefficient, groundwater depth, grouting pressure, tunneling speed and tunnel buried depth are selected to establish an evaluation system. A complete risk assessment framework is established based on the cloud model, AHP and entropy weight method. Further, the measured surface settlement is taken as the risk degree characterization to verify the results. This study can provide reference for method selection and evaluation system establishment in the risk assessment of shield tunnel construction in water-rich sandy pebble strata, and contribute to proposing safety management in similar engineering projects.

Load characterization of the main bearing of a large tunnel boring machine based on dynamic characteristic parameters

This research was carried out to solve the problem of the reasonable characterization of the working load of the main bearing of a large tunnel boring machine (TBM) under complex engineering geological conditions and equipment working statuses. A typical telescopic swing main drive system is considered, and a characterization approach based on acquired dynamic characteristic parameters is proposed. First, the axial load Fa, radial load Fr, overturning moment Mk, and torque T are considered as the load indexes of the main bearing. The main drive load model is then developed, and the load indexes are expressed by exploring the relationships between each load index and dynamic characteristic parameters such as the pressures, displacements of the hydraulic cylinders, and torques of the driving motors. Finally, the load indexes are characterized based on a subsea tunnel shield project, representative engineering geologies, and characteristic load inputs. The results indicate that by taking into account the variable attitude of the main drive system, each load index can be expressed as functions of the pressures, displacements of the hydraulic cylinders, and torques of the driving motors. According to the variation of the dynamic characteristic parameters, the load condition of the main bearing during application is accurately characterized. Different geologies are found to correspond to different load levels; the load under the dolomitic limestone and filling karst cave strata is found to be almost 1.5–1.9 times greater than that under diabase, while the torque is almost five times greater. The proposed load characterization approach provides an accurate load input conforming to engineering practice for the design and selection of the main bearing.

Substantiation of rational design factors of a metropolitan railway station without side railway platforms

This article presents the results of a study on the stress-strain state of a metropolitan railway station structure without side railway platforms during the construction of the upper arch of the middle station tunnel using in-situ reinforced concrete. The study was conducted using a systematic approach methodology based on a full factorial experiment plan, with subsequent processing of the calculation results using mathematical statistical methods and regression analysis to create a probabilistic-statistical model. The initial data for the analysis were obtained through numerical analysis using mathematical models and the finite element method in the Midas GTS NX program. Within the framework of the study, the design parameters of the metropolitan railway station that had the greatest impact on the stress-strain state of the station structure and the surrounding soil mass were identified. A multifactorial experiment was conducted based on the obtained data, involving the mathematical modeling of the «station lining — soil massif» system using the finite element method. The results of the modeling allowed for the assessment of the influence of the tunnel casing design factors on the stress-strain state of the «station lining — soil mass» system. Based on the results of the regression analysis, patterns of influence on the stress-strain state of the «station lining — soil mass» system were revealed. Relationships for determining the rational design factors of a metropolitan railway station without side railway platforms during the construction of the upper arch of the middle station tunnel using in-situ reinforced concrete were obtained, forming the basis of a probabilistic-statistical model of the system. The developed probabilistic-statistical model enables the prediction of the static performance of the metropolitan railway station structure without side railway platforms, and provides substantiation for the rational parameters of the station tunnel casing structural elements in the engineering-geological conditions of St. Petersburg.

Seismic performance analysis of shallow-buried large-scale three-box-section segment-connected pipeline structure under multiple actions

To ensure the safety operation of inter-basin water transfer project, it is important to understand the seismic performance of shallow-buried large-scale segment-connected pipeline structure under earthquake and other multiple actions. In this paper, a 3D FE model is built in details for the seismic assessment of large-scale prestressed concrete inverted-siphon shallow-buried under riverbed, and a method is proposed to realize multiple interactions of the viscoelastic boundary elements to finite elements, the compressible fluid to structure and the sealed joints made of rubber belt between adjacent segments. The inverted-siphon is longitudinally composited by 58 segments in total length of 858.64 m, and transversally consisits of three rectanguler-section boxes with net dimension of each box of 6.5 m width and 6.6 m height. The main influencing factors are set as the thickness of overburden soil, the flow condition and the engineering geological condition. The time-history analysis is carried out on the 3D FE model under Elcentro seismic wave excitation. The numerical analyses figures out the main vibration modes and vibrational frequency of this inverted-siphon, reveals the regions of peak tensile stress appeared on the concrete surface and the risk sealed joints with extremum relative displacement. This provides a scientific reference to take specific prevention measures of anti-earthquake, based on a deep understanding to the seismic cracking of concrete and the tearing broken of sealed joints for this kind of segment-connected pipeline structure.

Deep shale gas exploration and development in the southern Sichuan Basin: New progress and challenges

There are abundant marine shale gas resources in the Sichuan Basin. After almost one decade of exploration and development, three national shale gas demonstration areas have been built in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery, and large-scale commercial development of middle and deep (above 3500 m in depth) shale gas has been successfully achieved. The volume of deep shale gas resources (3500–4500 m deep) of the upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation-lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin is 6.6 × 1012 m3, with huge exploration and exploitation potential, so it is an important area for large-scale shale gas production increase in China during the 14th Five-year Plan. Deep shale gas in the southern Sichuan Basin is influenced by complex geological engineering conditions, such as great burial depth, high temperature and pressure, and large stress and stress difference, and its high-quality development faces many challenges. After systematically summarizing the new progresses and achievements in deep shale gas exploration and development in the southern Sichuan Basin, this paper analyzes the difficulties and challenges in deep shale gas exploration and development and puts forward the next research directions. And the following research results are obtained. First, based on early practical exploration and independent innovation, key shale gas exploration and development technologies with good area selection, good well deployment, good well drilling, good well fracturing and good well management as the core are formed, and the cultivation mode of high production well is established, which supports the large-scale benefit development of deep shale gas in the southern Sichuan Basin. Second, systematical analysis indicates that the exploration and development of deep shale gas still faces a series of challenges in such three major fields as basic theory, key technology and management mode. Third, in the face of challenges, it is necessary to deepen basic theory research related to exploration and development, continuously improve key main technologies and constantly innovate mechanisms, systems and management modes. In conclusion, after years of continuous researches and pilot tests, a series of main exploration and development technologies suitable for the working conditions of deep shale gas in the southern Sichuan Basin have been basically formed, the first deep shale gas reserves of trillion cubic meters has been submitted, and the first deep shale gas production increase block of ten billion cubic meters has been selected. Thus, great progresses have been made in the exploration and development of deep shale gas, which confirms the confidence and determination in exploring and developing deep shale gas and is of great guiding significance to the rapid development of shale gas industry in China.

Mechanism of Detecting the Construction Quality of a Diaphragm Wall by an Infrared Thermal Field and Engineering Application.

During underground space exploitation in the urbanization process, numerous foundation pits were constructed where a diaphragm wall was often used as a retaining structure and waterproof curtain. Due to complicated engineering geological conditions or improper construction, diaphragm walls and wall joints often exhibit quality defects. Groundwater leaked from these quality defects to foundation pits during excavation, endangering the safety of the pit and surrounding facilities. The current leakage identification of the underground retaining structure was performed by artificial visual detection, which cannot satisfy the engineering requirement. The temperature field in the leakage area of the diaphragm wall was different from other areas. The leakage wall imaging system using a thermal imager was efficient in visualizing leaking, which was not visible to the naked eye. In this study, infrared thermal imaging technology was introduced in potential leakage detection for the diaphragm wall of a foundation pit. The infrared radiation characteristics of the diaphragm wall leakage and the potential leakage parts were studied through laboratory simulation tests and on-site detection methods. The maximum temperature appeared at the water outlet and the surface of the defect with hidden defect, and the temperature field was symmetrically distributed along the cross-section direction. In the potential leakage area, the temperature difference at the penetration point was 23.4 °C when the initial water pressure was 10 kPa. The temperature difference at the penetration point was 21.8 °C when the initial water pressure was 30 kPa. In the field test, the maximum temperature difference between the leakage area and the surrounding wall was 4.5 °C. The study can provide a reference for similar engineering.

Failure process and stability analysis of landslides in Southwest China while considering rainfall and supporting conditions

Landslides frequently occur in several mountainous areas because of their unique engineering–geological conditions and other external factors (earthquakes, rainfall, etc.). In this paper, the landslide in Southwest China is used as the research objective to examine the landslide’s stability under different working conditions. The influencing factors and the formation mechanism of the landslide are analyzed based on the geological environment and essential characteristics of the landslide. In addition, the transfer coefficient method and the GeoStudio software were used to assess the landslide stability. The analysis results demonstrate that the joint action of landforms, geological structures, rainfall, and other factors caused the landslide. Furthermore, the slipped tension fracture induced the failure mode. The transfer coefficient method results showed that the landslide was stable under natural conditions and unstable under rainstorm conditions, which is consistent with the numerical simulation result. The shear strength sensitivity analysis results depicted an apparent linear relationship among cohesion c, internal friction angle φ, and stability coefficient. Moreover, the stability of the unstable slope is more sensitive to φ than to c.

Spatial distribution analysis and application of engineering disturbance disasters in the Himalayan alpine valley

The Himalayan alpine canyon area is characterized by complex engineering geological conditions and abnormal internal and external dynamic geological processes. Severe slope disturbance disasters can be caused by engineering disturbances. In this study, field investigations and theoretical analyses were performed to determine the formation mechanism, spatial distribution law, and controlling factors of engineering disturbance disasters in the Himalayan alpine and canyon areas. A total of 396 engineering disturbance disasters were identified within the scope of the 2,800-km survey line. A geographic information system and mathematical statistical analysis were used to analyze the correlation between engineering disturbance disasters and factors such as the slope, slope aspect, elevation, peak ground acceleration, distance from fault, distance from river, rainfall, lithological changes, and historical earthquake effects. The statistical analysis indicates a good power-law and exponential distribution between the engineering disturbance disaster concentration and the slope and distance from the river, respectively. The slope and distance from the river are the two most important factors in determining the spatial distribution of engineering disturbance disasters; the other factors also influence the distribution to some extent. These factors affect the quality of the slope rock and soil mass, affecting slope stability. The main form of engineering disturbance in the study area is slope cutting. The direct result (increase in slope) and secondary result (decrease in rock mass quality caused by unloading rebound) of slope cutting are the most important factors inducing engineering disturbance disasters. Based on previous research results, factors in engineering disturbance disasters in alpine and canyon areas were evaluated, and the distribution of disturbance disasters along the China–Nepal Railway was predicted. The study area was divided into extremely high-(13.6%), high-(30.4%), medium-(34.1%), and low-susceptibility (22.0%) areas. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for prevention and treatment of engineering disturbance disasters in Himalayan alpine valley areas.