Discrete element modelling and scenario prediction of failure, movement and energy dissipation of a potential landslide under a seismic loading

Simulation of the process of landslide occurrence, including deformation and failure, material movement and energy dissipation of slopes, can help in predicting the features, affected area and risk of potential landslides induced by earthquakes, thus providing support to decision-makers, which is of great practical significance in hazard prevention and mitigation. Taking the Chenjiaying potential landslide in Mian County, Shaanxi Province, China, as the scenario, this study used the discrete element method to develop a numerical simulation. The results showed that deformation of the slope started from the trailing edge, then gradually extended to the middle and leading edge until the failure occurred, via a progressive process. With the increase of the friction coefficient, the movement distance, velocity and failure time of the landslide were shortened, reduced and delayed, respectively, but the peak velocity remained at about 7.5 s after the seismic loading. The proportions of kinetic energy and collision energy in the total energy dissipation also decreased as the friction coefficient increased, but friction energy increased gradually, becoming dominant. The simulation also suggested that the landslide could not only bury houses to a depth of more than 3.8 m but also generate an impact of between 1.18 × 10⁵ and 5.50 × 10⁵ kN on the unit width of houses at the leading edge, which would pose a major threat to life and property safety for more than 50 households. These findings will aid in the assessment of landside risk caused by earthquakes.