Landslide Activity Research Articles

A non-contact quantitative risk assessment framework for translational highway landslides: Integration of InSAR, geophysical inversion, and numerical simulation

Landslides frequently disrupt highway networks in mountainous regions globally, presenting a grave threat to the safety of vehicles and pedestrians. A quantitative assessment of landslide risk within the highway network is crucial for the implementation of targeted monitoring, early warning, and engineering interventions. In this study, a non-contact quantitative risk assessment framework for translational landslides is proposed, which integrates Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), geophysical inversion, and numerical simulation techniques. The framework can reliably estimate the surface velocity, subsurface geometry, volume, and potential spatial consequences of landslides, and assess the potential damages and losses resulting from the landslide failure. Taking Lashagou L6 landslide in Linxia City, China as a case study, the results demonstrate a robust agreement between the InSAR-derived two-dimensional (2D) displacements and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations, which are suitable for the inversion of active landslide thickness. The minimum mean error between the inverted landslide thickness and the observed borehole thickness is 0.8 m. The maximum thickness of the inverted basal sliding surface is 4.1 m, corresponding to a landslide volume of 1.25 × 104 m3. Fully considering the uncertainties within the technical framework, an estimated 1.2–1.7 vehicles are projected to be impacted, resulting in 5.3–7.7 casualties. The proposed non-contact framework demonstrates high reliability and considerable application versatility, particularly beneficial in inaccessible mountainous regions.

Analysis of the runout distance and impact force of an actual landslide considering the effect of single rigid barrier using an SPH approach

Analysis of the runout distance and impact force of an actual landslide considering the effect of single rigid barrier using an SPH approach

InSAR phase gradient reveals fault‐zone controls on the spatial distribution of slow‐moving landslides in the active orogenic region of Hazara‐Kashmir, Pakistan

AbstractSlow‐moving landslides play important roles in the landscape evolution and hazards planning. Studies along some strike‐slip faults have shown that the geological structures and bed‐rock lithology significantly contribute the distribution of slow‐moving landslides. However, controls on the distribution of slow‐moving landslides are poorly constrained in active orogenic regions, hindering our understanding of its role in the rapid orogenic process. The Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis in Pakistan is such a prominent geological structure of lesser Himalaya, where the inventory of slow‐moving landslides is scarce. Here, we attempt the interferometric synthetic aperture radar phase‐gradient stacking coupled with a deep‐learning system to provide the first slow‐moving landslides inventory (1066 presently active landslides, 2016–2023) in the Hazara‐Kashmir region. Along with optical imagery and field investigations, we analyse the impacts of fault structures, bed‐rock lithology, topography along with spatial distribution of earthquake and precipitation on the distribution of these slow‐moving landslides. We find that 33% of the detected slow‐moving landslides are distributed within 1000 m to active faults, and show a decreasing trend moving away from fault zones. This pattern strongly suggests that the active thrusting faults in this region significantly controls the distribution of slow‐moving landslides, while topography and precipitation show less impacts. Our study reveals the spatial distribution of slow‐moving landslides in a tectonic complex region with rapid orogenic process, and thus shows potential implications in geomorphology modelling and hazards evaluation for many less‐monitored, contemporary uplifting high‐mountain regions.

Innovative extenso-inclinometer for slow-moving deep-seated landslide monitoring in an early warning perspective

Extensive urban areas worldwide face significant landslide hazards, impacting inhabitants, buildings, and critical infrastructures alike. In the case of slow-moving deep-seated landslides involving huge areas and characterized by complex patterns, when the cost of repairing infrastructures, relocating communities, and restoring cultural sites might be such that it is unsustainable for the community, the exposed structures require significant effort for their surveillance and protection, which can be supported by the development of innovative monitoring systems. For this purpose, a smart extenso-inclinometer, realized by equipping a conventional inclinometer tube with distributed strain and temperature transducers based on optical fiber sensing technology, is presented. In situ monitoring of the active deep-seated San Nicola landslide in Centola (Campania, southern Italy) demonstrated its ability to capture the main features of movements and reconstruct a tridimensional evolution of the landslide pattern, even when the entity of both vertical and horizontal soil strain components is comparable. Although further tests are needed to definitively ascertain the extensometer function of the new device, by interpreting the strain profiles of the landslide body and identifying the achievement of predetermined thresholds, this system could provide a warning of the trigger of a landslide event. The use of the smart extenso-inclinometer within an early warning system for slow-moving landslides holds immense potential for reducing the impact of landslide events.

Increasing irrigation-triggered landslide activity caused by intensive farming in deserts on three continents

Population growth and agricultural intensification lead to stress on landscapes that are highly sensitive to land-use changes. An increase in irrigation-triggered landslides (ITL) in dry climates has negative impacts on local communities. However, evolution and global impacts of ITL are little-known. Here, we use Multi-Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR), vectorization, and differential method to study surface deformation, ground displacement, and changes in headscarp morphology and topography in regions prone to ITL, aiming to uncover the evolution and spatiotemporal distribution of ITL. Findings show that the most severe surface deformation of ITL occurs on the landslide body. Meanwhile, the ITL displacement curve indicates the ITL will maintain continuous movement for at least 7 years, while ancient ITL also poses a threat. Moreover, the headscarp of ITL shows lateral expansion and longitudinal retrogression on the horizontal ground, whereby the scale of expansion is greater than that of retrogression, which transforms landslides into landslide clusters. Finally, the topographic changes further reveal that the main development pattern of ITL is lateral expansion. We suggest that the frequency and disaster-causing ability of ITL will increase greatly with further population growth and related intensification in the agricultural sector.

Development of Potential Slip Surface Identification Model for Active Deep-Seated Landslide Sites: A Case Study in Taiwan

Identifying locations of landslide slip surfaces provides critical information for understanding the volume of landslides and the scale of disasters, both of which are essential for formulating disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. Based on hydrogeological survey data from 24 deep-seated landslide-prone sites in Taiwan’s mountainous regions, this study developed the hydraulic conductivity potential index (HCPI) using principal component analysis to quantify the hydraulic properties of disturbed rock formations with six geological factors. Then, regression analysis was performed to construct a permeability estimation model for the geological environment of landslides. Finally, the established model was utilized to develop an identification method for potential slip depths in landslide-prone sites. Results indicated a strong relation between HCPI and hydraulic conductivity with a determination coefficient of 0.895. The relation equation confirmed that the data it generated concerning the depths of significant changes in hydraulic conductivity could be used to identify potential slip surfaces. Additionally, this study successfully established a rule for identifying potential slip zones by summarizing data concerning the generated hydraulic conductivity profiles, stratigraphic lithology, existing inclinometer slip depth records, and groundwater level of landslide sites. This identification method was then applied to predict potential slip depths for ten landslide sites where slip surfaces have not yet occurred. These findings offer a new alternative to having early information on potential sliding depths for timely disaster management and control implementation.

Drone SAR Imaging for Monitoring an Active Landslide Adjacent to the M25 at Flint Hall Farm

Flint Hall Farm in Godstone, Surrey, UK, is situated adjacent to the London Orbital Motorway, or M25, and contains several landslide systems which pose a significant geohazard risk to this critical infrastructure. The site has been routinely monitored by geotechnical engineers following a landslide that encroached onto the hard shoulder in December 2000; current in situ instrumentation includes inclinometers and piezoelectric sensors. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is an active remote sensing technique that can quantify millimetric rates of Earth surface and structural deformation, typically utilising satellite data, and is ideal for monitoring landslide movements. We have developed the hardware and software for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or drone radar system, for improved operational flexibility and spatial–temporal resolutions in the InSAR data. The hardware payload includes an industrial-grade DJI drone, a high-performance Ettus Software Defined Radar (SDR), and custom Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) radar horn antennas. The software utilises Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar at 5.4 GHz for raw data collection and a Range Migration Algorithm (RMA) for focusing the data into a Single Look Complex (SLC) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image. We present the first SAR image acquired using the drone radar system at Flint Hall Farm, which provides an improved spatial resolution compared to satellite SAR. Discrete targets on the landslide slope, such as corner reflectors and the in situ instrumentation, are visible as bright pixels, with their size and positioning as expected; the surrounding grass and vegetation appear as natural speckles. Drone SAR imaging is an emerging field of research, given the necessary and recent technological advancements in drones and SDR processing power; as such, this is a novel achievement, with few authors demonstrating similar systems. Ongoing and future work includes repeat-pass SAR data collection and developing the InSAR processing chain for drone SAR data to provide meaningful deformation outputs for the landslides and other geotechnical hazards and infrastructure.

GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN FOR THE STABILIZATION WORKS OF THE LETTOMANOPPELLO LANDSLIDE (ABRUZZO, ITALY)

In order to stabilize the landslide of Lettomanoppello, the stabilization works are finalized to reduce/control the causes and to mitigate the economic, social, and environmental risks. A careful geotechnical design, of the stabilization works can allow an economic recovery of the cost by means of a virtuous and profitable process to produce electric energy. The landslide of Lettomanoppello, located in Central Italy (south-west of the city of Pescara) is a large, very complex active landslide. Slope instability phenomena, often triggered by intense rainfall and seismic events are recurrent in this region of Apennines and frequently result in serious damage to the historical-environmental heritage and in dreadful economic losses. The stability of slope is mainly affects by the hydrogeological conditions of the area characterized by a complex drainage system. Various stabilization works were executed along the slope during the years. The paper presents the studies (geological and geotechnical characterizations) and a general plan of the works required to stabilize the entire slope. The general stabilization project includes different types of works: (i) structural works (retaining walls), effective in short term; (ii) drainage works (tunnel for deep water drainage), effective to medium-long term, aimed at reducing/controlling the major causes of the landslide; (iii) protection from erosion at the toe of slope and surface drainage works. The tunnel crosses a horseshoe shape underneath the historical centre of Lettomanoppello and the elevations of its mouths are at 296 m a.s.l. The drainage waters will be conveyed to pipe towards a hydraulic turbine located at 206 m a.s.l. in the lower part of the slope. Furthermore, the geometry of the cut-off retaining walls at the toe slope are conceived as foundations of aeolian turbines.

CATALOG OF LANDSLIDES OF THE CITY OF ZENICE WITH SPECIFIC CAUSES

As part of its activities, the Federal Institute of Geology carries out mapping of active landslides in the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and my task is to map instability in the area of the City of Zenica. A very large number of landslides were registered during the catastrophic rainfall that occurred in 2014. Following these phenomena and certain records, detailed mapping of unstable slopes and records of unstable surfaces was started. The cadastre is defined in such a way that it displays all input data with location polygons in GIS. Not in the field, quite recognizable causes were observed, which are always a combination of bad geological and hydrogeological conditions with a significant anthropogenic factor. The slope of the terrain is also very unfavourable, and gravity also played a significant role in the instability of these slopes. Almost all registered landslides have unregulated water (surface, underground, waste). The frequent occurrence of earthquakes on this section also significantly threatened the stability of slopes and buildings, and on the spot, the consequences of cracking and shearing of buildings were evident as a result of the earthquake. A special review will be given to the activation of mudflows during extensive rainfall in this area, which is not rare. A significant share in the formation of mudflows belongs to heavy precipitation, which over time formed the so-called "watersheds" where water was transported from higher to lower parts of the slope. However, during the climate changes, there was a significant increase in the amount and frequency of precipitation, which carried the surface cover and rock blocks that were moved down the steep slopes. Road approaches to the villages, as well as a significant number of buildings, made artificial dams and cut cuts that were a natural way of draining water. So you have a significant number of buildings built exactly on these "watersheds" that represent the dam. In the newly created situation, by changing the natural paths of movement of surface and underground water, it would be necessary to regulate the water below and around the road strip, as well as the drainage of water around buildings. Only after the water has been drained, certain geotechnical procedures can be carried out to stabilize the slope and to permanently rehabilitate it, so that the inhabitants of these villages do not constantly fear during rainfall.

Geomorphic index-based landscape evolution study for the extraction and interpretation of knickpoint and channel steepness in the mandakini catchment, western himalaya.

Geomorphometric analysis using geomorphic indices is essential to comprehend the evolution of a river basin including denudation, surface runoff, subsurface infiltration, differential erosion, lithological variations, possible surface tilting, landslides, and the influence of geological formations and structure. Research in morphometric measurements continues to face many challenges and difficulties despite all the effort carried out. These include the inaccuracy of morphometric measurements and the time it takes to obtain the expected results in large basins. Under such condition, the purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis for the group of indices which includes SL index, transversetopographic symmetry factor, and hypsometry curve along with its integral value in the Mandakini Catchment. Examining the spatial distribution of knickzones has not been well documented, particularly in the Mandakini Catchment; hence, we further analyzed the spatial distribution of knickpoints, channel steepness index, and chi-index along with the longitudinal river profile. Through this analysis, we aim to determine how these indices collectively contribute to the comprehensive characterization of the landscape evolution within the study area and to find the landscape signatures of the uplift by comparing different river profiles. Various knickpoints were found mainly in the upper reaches at higher elevation, validated through aerial imagery and then through detailed field observation. During the field investigation, various geomorphic indicators such as fluvial terraces, entrenched river meandering, active landslides, extensive toe erosion, and waterfalls associated were observed. The study also found out that the places near the Kedarnath, Sonprayag, and Kalimath-Kotma, show high SL index and high steepness index that may correlate with the presence of active thrust and faults.

Phase‐Transition Variations in Granular Materials Under Multi‐Period Vibrations: Implications for Triggering Landslides After Multiple Earthquakes

AbstractEarthquake‐triggered landslides are widely recognized. Despite extensive research on the seismic responses of landslides triggered by single earthquakes, there is a lack of understanding of the seismic responses of landslides due to earthquake sequences and multiple earthquakes, and the mechanisms of dynamic weakening under multiple earthquakes still lack support from experimental results. To explore their seismic response characteristics and triggering mechanism, a series of multi‐period vibrations ring shear tests and dynamic triaxial‐bender tests were conducted with glass spheres. The experimental results show that the co‐vibration slip occurred during the vibration process, and as the vibration periods increased, the sample gradually slipped after vibration, eventually leading to accelerated instability. The sample exhibited a transition from a solid‐semi‐solid state to a liquid state due to the increase in vibration periods. Further results show that the shear modulus progressively weakened with successive vibration periods. The weakening of the shear strength of the sample caused by multi‐periods vibration was affected by the amplitude, the vibration time, and the interval time between two periods of vibration. Our study provided insights into how multiple earthquakes of seismic sequence and seismically active area trigger landslides.

Formation and evolution of thermokarst landslides in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

Thermokarst landslide (TL) activity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is intensifying due to climate warming-induced permafrost degradation. However, the mechanisms driving landslide formation and evolution remain poorly understood. This study investigates the spatial distribution, annual frequency, and monthly dynamics of TLs along the Qinghai-Tibet engineering corridor (QTEC), in conjunction with in-situ temperature and rainfall observations, to elucidate the interplay between warming, permafrost degradation, and landslide activity. Through the analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery and field surveys, we identified 1298 landslides along the QTEC between 2016 and 2022, with an additional 386 landslides recorded in a typical landslide-prone sub-area. In 2016, 621 new active-layer detachments (ALDs) were identified, 1.3 times the total historical record. This surge aligned with unprecedented mean annual and August temperatures. The ALDs emerged primarily between late August and early September, coinciding with maximum thaw depth. From 2016 to 2022, 97.8 % of these ALDs evolved into retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs), identified as active landslides. Landslides typically occur in alpine meadows at moderate altitudes and on gentle northward slopes. The thick ice layer near the permafrost table serves as the material basis for ALD occurrence. Abnormally high temperature significantly increased the active layer thickness (ALT), resulting in melting of the ice layer and formation of a thawed interlayer, which was the direct causing factor for ALD. By altering the local material, micro-topography, and thermal conditions, ALD activity significantly increases RTS susceptibility. Understanding the mechanisms of ALD formation and evolution into RTS provides a theoretical foundation for infrastructure development and disaster mitigation in extreme environments.

Application of Bivariate Statistical Method for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment along Srinagar-Bandipora Highway, North Kashmir Himalaya

The present study aims to create and evaluate a map indicating the potential of landslides along the Srinagar-Bandipora highway in the North Kashmir Himalaya region. Therefore, the study utilized the Bivariate Statistical Relative effect (RE) method to establish the correlation between casual factors (CFs) contributing to landslides and the actual landslide incidences. Additionally, fifteen different CFs were analyzed within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to assess the impact of these factors on landslides. Further, a comprehensive GIS-based inventory map was compiled, incorporating both primary and secondary data sources, to identify landslide locations. A landslide susceptibility zonation (LSZ) map was developed by integrating all identified landslide CFs along with their respective effect function values. Moreover, the results revealed that 21.06% of the study area was classified as having a very high to high susceptibility to landslides. To validate the accuracy of the produced map, 30% of landslide validation data was employed and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve method was utilized, yielding an excellent result with an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.919 for the study area. Consequently, the findings of this study hold significant potential for mitigating landslide-related hazards and guiding land use planning projects.

Numerical simulation on the prevention and control of landslide-induced wave disasters in Wangjiashan landslide area of Baihetan reservoir

The risk management of landslide surges after water storage in large reservoirs is a major challenge in reservoir management. The water storage in the reservoir area of the Baihetan hydropower station on the Jinsha River brings the potential of Wangjiashan landslide activation. This paper proposes a mitigation measurement based on slope cutting for the Wangjiashan landslide and evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of the management scheme through numerical simulation. Results indicate that when water storage is in a normal level, after an earthquake, the landslide will impact the Baihetan Reservoir with a maximum velocity of 8.52 m/s, generating waves with a maximum wave height of 15.63 m. By removing the upper part of the landslide, the volume of the landslide is reduced from 611 × 10 4 m 3 to 369 × 10 4 m 3 , it will cut down the maximum wave height in the Xiangbiling residential area to 3.09 m, which significantly reduces the risk of landslide surge waves. It further establishes a disaster prevention and control plan for the landslide-induced wave disaster. Overall, this study provides important theoretical and practical references for the risk management of landslide surge waves and offers valuable insights for addressing similar issues in the future.

Three-dimensional deformation monitoring of landslides based on combination of two-track InSAR observations and pixel-level surface-parallel flow model

ABSTRACT Landslides are characterized by intricate formation mechanisms and multiple triggering factors, posing serious threats to human life and property. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) has been extensively applied in landslide monitoring due to its all-weather operation, high precision, and wide spatial coverage. However, one-dimensional line-of-sight (LOS) deformation limits the ability to measure actual landslide displacement. Presently, many regions without the latest descending data, but they are in the overlapping position of two adjacent latest ascending track. Compared to using a single track, the method measuring three-dimensional deformation of landslides, combined with two ascending track InSAR datasets and pixel-level surface-parallel flow (PSPF) assumption, is presented. Based on the small baseline subset (SBAS) InSAR, the LOS deformation in two observations in the middle reaches of the Qingjiang River in China was measured. With pixel-level surface-parallel flow model, the three-dimensional deformation was obtained. It was further converted into the slope surface coordinate system, thus determining the direction of landslide movement. The findings effectively elucidate the primary displacement mode of landslides, with deformation rates ranging from −80 to 20 mm yr − 1 , which are significantly influenced by the slope angle and slope aspect. It is highly important to remotely identify the movement direction and analyse the failure mode of landslides.

A semi-automatic interpretation method for utilizing InSAR results to recognize active landslides considering causative factors

Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR), which can map subtle ground displacement over large areas, has been widely utilized to recognize active landslides. Nevertheless, due to various origins of subtle ground displacement, their presence on slopes may not always reflect the occurrence of active landslides. Therefore, interpretation of exact landslide-correlated deformation from InSAR results can be very challenging, especially in mountainous areas, where natural phenomenon like soil creep, anthropogenic activities and erroneous deformational signals accumulated during InSAR processing can easily lead to misinterpretation. In this paper, a two-phase interpretation method applicable to regional-scale active landslide recognition utilizing InSAR results is presented. The first phase utilizes statistical threshold and clustering analysis to detect unstable regions mapped by InSAR. The second phase introduces landslide susceptibility combined with empirical rainfall threshold, which are considered as causative factors for active landslides triggered by rainfall, to screen unstable regions indicative of active landslides. A case study validated by field survey indicates that the proposed interpretation method, when compared to a baseline model reported in the literature, can achieve better interpretation accuracy and miss rate.

The Identification and Influence Factor Analysis of Landslides Using SBAS-InSAR Technique: A Case Study of Hongya Village, China

On 1 September 2022, a landslide in Hongya Village, Weiyuan Town, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Qinghai Province, caused significant casualties and economic losses. To mitigate such risks, InSAR technology is employed due to its wide coverage, all-weather operation, and cost-effectiveness in detecting landslides. In this study, focusing on the landslide in Hongya Village, SBAS-InSAR and Sentinel-1A satellite data from July 2021 to September/October 2022 were used to accurately identify the areas of active landslides and to analyze the landslide deformation trends, in combination with the geological characteristics of the landslides and rainfall data. The results showed that strong deformation was detected in the middle and back of the landslide in Hongya Village, with a maximum deformation rate of approximately -13 mm/year. The surface of the landslide consisted of mainly Upper Pleistocene wind-deposited loess, which is extremely sensitive to water. The deformation of the landslide was closely related to the rainfall, and the deformation of the landslide increased with the increase in rainfall. The research results prove that the combination of ascending and descending orbit data based on SBAS-InSAR technology is highly feasible in the field of landslide deformation monitoring and is of great practical significance for landslide disaster prevention and mitigation.

Cascading Landslide: Kinematic and Finite Element Method Analysis through Remote Sensing Techniques

Cascading landslides are specific multi-hazard events in which a primary movement triggers successive landslide processes. Areas with dynamic and quickly changing environments are more prone to this type of phenomena. Both the kind and the evolution velocity of a landslide depends on the materials involved. Indeed, rockfalls are generated when rocks fall from a very steep slope, while debris flow and/or mudslides are generated by fine materials like silt and clay after strong water imbibition. These events can amplify the damage caused by the initial trigger and propagate instability along a slope, often resulting in significant environmental and societal impacts. The Morino-Rendinara cascading landslide, situated in the Ernici Mountains along the border of the Abruzzo and Lazio regions (Italy), serves as a notable example of the complexities and devastating consequences associated with such events. In March 2021, a substantial debris flow event obstructed the Liri River, marking the latest step in a series of landslide events. Conventional techniques such as geomorphological observations and geological surveys may not provide exhaustive information to explain the landslide phenomena in progress. For this reason, UAV image acquisition, InSAR interferometry, and pixel offset analysis can be used to improve the knowledge of the mechanism and kinematics of landslide events. In this work, the interferometric data ranged from 3 January 2020 to 24 March 2023, while the pixel offset data covered the period from 2016 to 2022. The choice of such an extensive data window provided comprehensive insight into the investigated events, including the possibility of identifying other unrecorded events and aiding in the development of more effective mitigation strategies. Furthermore, to supplement the analysis, a specific finite element method for slope stability analysis was used to reconstruct the deep geometry of the system, emphasizing the effect of groundwater-level flow on slope stability. All of the findings indicate that major landslide activities were concentrated during the heavy rainfall season, with movements ranging from several centimeters per year. These results were consistent with numerical analyses, which showed that the potential slip surface became significantly more unstable when the water table was elevated.

Seismic fragility and risk assessment of Reinforced Concrete bridges undergoing elastomeric bearing deformations induced by landslide

The paper presents a study on the seismic fragility of Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridges isolated by elastomeric bearing devices subjected to differential displacements induced by slow-moving landslides. The seismic behaviour of isolated bridges is ruled by the performance of elastomeric bearings to reduce and dissipate earthquake actions. These bridges are subjected to service loads that usually are accounted for in design, but possible additional actions from the surrounding environment, such as landslides affecting substructure components, can seriously undermine the seismic response. The paper describes a practical approach to investigate the seismic fragility and risk of RC bridges isolated by elastomeric bearings, which may undergo early deformations induced by the differential displacements of substructure components. On the basis of previous existing studies, the proposed methodology is based on numerical modelling accounting for landslide-induced substructure displacements and proper modifications on the constitutive law and hysteretic response of the elastomeric bearings. Subsequently, after establishing specific limit-states, nonlinear time history analyses of the seismic response are used to estimate fragility curves and risk indicators. The study points out that it is possible to quantify the influence of landslide-induced effects on seismic fragility and risk by using only two numerical models, in order to provide decision support to transportation authority responsible for ensuring the safety of bridges and road networks. The proposed approach has been tested on a real-life case study, the Santo Stefano Viaduct in Italy, which was subjected in the past to relevant deformations of the elastomeric bearings due to an active landslide phenomenon.

GIS-based spatial modeling of landslide susceptibility using BWM-LSI: A case study – city of Smederevo (Serbia)

Abstract Landslides and slope processes constitute one of the most frequent natural hazards in valleys near major rivers and mountainous regions. The surface layer, characterized by its relatively loose composition, is prone to sliding due to a combination of distinct natural and human-related factors. Specific sections along the right bank of the Danube River in Smederevo city exhibit significant susceptibility to landslide activation, often leading to substantial material losses and posing a risk to the local population. The initial step in the provided research involves analyzing existing literature and mapping landslides within the study area. The initial analysis covers both natural conditions and anthropogenic activities. The second step includes establishing a geospatial database in the Geographic Information System and generating eight thematic maps. In the third step, different weight coefficients were assigned to the criteria, which facilitated the creation of the Landslide Susceptibility Index using the Best–Worst Method. Subsequently, in the fourth step, a composite map illustrating landslide susceptibility was produced. According to this research, about 4% of the territory of Smederevo, or 19.3 km2, is highly or very highly susceptible to landslides. These localities are located on the right bank of the Danube River and around the Ralja River. Receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve value indicates very high predictive power (approximately 1), thus suggesting the reliability of the used methodology. This visualization of areas highly prone to such occurrences empowers policymakers to implement more effective environmental protection measures and institute sustainable management practices for agricultural parcels in this region. Also, the provided research represents the inaugural integration of advanced remote sensing techniques and interdisciplinary investigations, offering deeper insights into landslide activity in the study area and yielding more comprehensive results.