Skip to main content
Top
Published in:

01-08-2024 | Original Paper

Earth fissures induced by water infiltration in collapsible loess: predictions based on a cantilever beam rotation failure mode

Authors: Yuemin Sun, Jiewei Zhan, Quanzhong Lu, Zhaoyue Yu, Jianbing Peng

Published in: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment | Issue 8/2024

Log in

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

Collapse earth fissure is a common type of disaster in loess regions, where water infiltration is one of the primary factors that contributes to surface ruptures and uneven settlement. However, the research on the cracking behavior of collapsible loess under the action of water infiltration has been mainly qualitative, and there is a lack of quantitative analysis methods. In this study, through field survey, trench exploration, drilling and geotechnical engineering tests, we found that collapsible loess in Xibai Village subjected to an increased water content due to canal leakage presents a deformation and cracking failure mode similar to that of cantilever beam structure. Then, based on a simplified cantilever beam model and theory, a formula for predicting the location of initial cracks in collapsible loess caused by canal water leakage was derived using the material mechanics analysis method. The accuracy of the prediction was verified by comparing it with the results of field immersion tests, and the error was within 30%. In addition, considering the continuous expansion of the wetting zone, the theoretical formula for the location of fissure rupture propagation in collapsible loess in different seepage stages was then derived. This study provides a dependable analytical approach for estimating the extent and impact of earth fissures caused by the canal water leakage in collapsible loess areas, which can help to improve the security and stability of infrastructures in such areas.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 390 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe




 

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Literature
go back to reference Ayalew L, Yamagishi H, Reik G (2004) Ground cracks in Ethiopian Rift Valley: facts and uncertainties. Eng Geol 75:309–324CrossRef Ayalew L, Yamagishi H, Reik G (2004) Ground cracks in Ethiopian Rift Valley: facts and uncertainties. Eng Geol 75:309–324CrossRef
go back to reference Chen TL, Li XD, Lu HT, Cai MX (2021) Water immersion test study on collapsible range of strong self-weight collapsible loess. Build Struct 15:131–134 (In Chinese with English abstract) Chen TL, Li XD, Lu HT, Cai MX (2021) Water immersion test study on collapsible range of strong self-weight collapsible loess. Build Struct 15:131–134 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Conway BD (2016) Land subsidence and earth fissures in south-central and southern Arizona, USA. Hydrogeol J 24:649–655CrossRef Conway BD (2016) Land subsidence and earth fissures in south-central and southern Arizona, USA. Hydrogeol J 24:649–655CrossRef
go back to reference Deng YH, Chang J, Lu QZ, Li L, Mu HD, Feng LB (2021) Disaster characteristics and influence range of earth fissure on nearby structures. Arabian J Geosci 15:47CrossRef Deng YH, Chang J, Lu QZ, Li L, Mu HD, Feng LB (2021) Disaster characteristics and influence range of earth fissure on nearby structures. Arabian J Geosci 15:47CrossRef
go back to reference Derbyshire E (2001) Geological hazards in loess terrain, with particular reference to the loess regions of China. Earth Sci Rev 54:231–260CrossRef Derbyshire E (2001) Geological hazards in loess terrain, with particular reference to the loess regions of China. Earth Sci Rev 54:231–260CrossRef
go back to reference Gvirtzman H, Shalev E, Dahan O, Hatzor YH (2008) Large-scale infiltration experiments into unsaturated stratified loess sediments: Monitoring and modeling. J Hydrol 349:214–229CrossRef Gvirtzman H, Shalev E, Dahan O, Hatzor YH (2008) Large-scale infiltration experiments into unsaturated stratified loess sediments: Monitoring and modeling. J Hydrol 349:214–229CrossRef
go back to reference Holzer TL, Pampeyan EH (1981) Earth fissures and localized differential subsidence. Water Resour Res 17:223–227CrossRef Holzer TL, Pampeyan EH (1981) Earth fissures and localized differential subsidence. Water Resour Res 17:223–227CrossRef
go back to reference Hou XK, Vanapalli SK, Li TL (2019) Wetting-induced collapse behavior associated with infiltration: A case study. Eng Geol 258:105146CrossRef Hou XK, Vanapalli SK, Li TL (2019) Wetting-induced collapse behavior associated with infiltration: A case study. Eng Geol 258:105146CrossRef
go back to reference Jia ZJ, Peng JB, Lu QZ, Qiao JW, Wang FY, Zang MD, Liu Y, Zhao JY, Zhu FJ (2022) Formation mechanism of ground fissures originated from the hanging wall of normal fault: A case in Fen-Wei basin, China. J Earth Sci 33:482–492CrossRef Jia ZJ, Peng JB, Lu QZ, Qiao JW, Wang FY, Zang MD, Liu Y, Zhao JY, Zhu FJ (2022) Formation mechanism of ground fissures originated from the hanging wall of normal fault: A case in Fen-Wei basin, China. J Earth Sci 33:482–492CrossRef
go back to reference Li YR (2018) A review of shear and tensile strengths of the Malan Loess in China. Eng Geol 236:4–10CrossRef Li YR (2018) A review of shear and tensile strengths of the Malan Loess in China. Eng Geol 236:4–10CrossRef
go back to reference Li XA, Wang L, Yl Y, Hong B, Li LC (2018) Experimental study on the disintegration of loess in the Loess Plateau of China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78:4907–4918CrossRef Li XA, Wang L, Yl Y, Hong B, Li LC (2018) Experimental study on the disintegration of loess in the Loess Plateau of China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78:4907–4918CrossRef
go back to reference Li YR, Shi WH, Aydin A, Beroya-Eitner MA, Gao GH (2020) Loess genesis and worldwide distribution. Earth Sci Rev 201:102947CrossRef Li YR, Shi WH, Aydin A, Beroya-Eitner MA, Gao GH (2020) Loess genesis and worldwide distribution. Earth Sci Rev 201:102947CrossRef
go back to reference Liang CY, Cao CS, Wu SR (2018) Hydraulic-mechanical properties of loess and its behavior when subjected to infiltration-induced wetting. Bull Eng Geol Environ 77:385–397CrossRef Liang CY, Cao CS, Wu SR (2018) Hydraulic-mechanical properties of loess and its behavior when subjected to infiltration-induced wetting. Bull Eng Geol Environ 77:385–397CrossRef
go back to reference Liu ZH, Lu QZ, Qiao JW, Fan W (2021) In situ water immersion research on the formation mechanism of collapsible earth fissures. Eng Geol 280:105936CrossRef Liu ZH, Lu QZ, Qiao JW, Fan W (2021) In situ water immersion research on the formation mechanism of collapsible earth fissures. Eng Geol 280:105936CrossRef
go back to reference Liu Y, Peng JB, Jiang FQ, Lu QZ, Zhu FJ, Xu Q (2022) Model test study on the formation and development of underground erosion ground fissures in the Kenya Rift Valley. J Mt Sci 19:1037–1050CrossRef Liu Y, Peng JB, Jiang FQ, Lu QZ, Zhu FJ, Xu Q (2022) Model test study on the formation and development of underground erosion ground fissures in the Kenya Rift Valley. J Mt Sci 19:1037–1050CrossRef
go back to reference Liu DR, An ZS, Xu SC, Wang X, Zhang ZJ, Jin X, Zhang Y (2023) Experimental study on immersion collapsibility process and vertical stress characteristics of large thickness loess foundation in Jingyuan area. Rock Soil Mech 44:268–278 (In Chinese with English abstract) Liu DR, An ZS, Xu SC, Wang X, Zhang ZJ, Jin X, Zhang Y (2023) Experimental study on immersion collapsibility process and vertical stress characteristics of large thickness loess foundation in Jingyuan area. Rock Soil Mech 44:268–278 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Lu QZ, Qiao JW, Peng JB, Liu ZH, Liu C, Tian LY, Zhao JY (2019) A typical Earth fissure resulting from loess collapse on the loess plateau in the Weihe Basin. China Eng Geol 259:105189CrossRef Lu QZ, Qiao JW, Peng JB, Liu ZH, Liu C, Tian LY, Zhao JY (2019) A typical Earth fissure resulting from loess collapse on the loess plateau in the Weihe Basin. China Eng Geol 259:105189CrossRef
go back to reference Luo XF, Meng HD, Wang YY (2014) Study on the soaking test of big thickness collapse loess with heavy section in south of Shanxi region. Sci Technol Eng 14:133–140+150 (In Chinese with English abstract) Luo XF, Meng HD, Wang YY (2014) Study on the soaking test of big thickness collapse loess with heavy section in south of Shanxi region. Sci Technol Eng 14:133–140+150 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Lv YQ, Deng LS, Fan W (2021) Loess collapsibility characteristics of railway engineering sites using large-scale trial immersion pit experiments. Bull Eng Geol Environ 80:3271–3291CrossRef Lv YQ, Deng LS, Fan W (2021) Loess collapsibility characteristics of railway engineering sites using large-scale trial immersion pit experiments. Bull Eng Geol Environ 80:3271–3291CrossRef
go back to reference Martinez I, Hinkelmann R, Savidis S (2013) Fast water infiltration: a mechanism for fracture formation during land subsidence. Hydrogeol J 21:761–771CrossRef Martinez I, Hinkelmann R, Savidis S (2013) Fast water infiltration: a mechanism for fracture formation during land subsidence. Hydrogeol J 21:761–771CrossRef
go back to reference Meng XF, Liao HJ, Zhang JW (2020) Infiltration Law of Water in Undisturbed Loess and Backfill. Water 12:2388CrossRef Meng XF, Liao HJ, Zhang JW (2020) Infiltration Law of Water in Undisturbed Loess and Backfill. Water 12:2388CrossRef
go back to reference Meng XF, Liao HJ, Zhang JW (2021) Research on the collapsibility of loess after water immersion. Nat Hazards 109:303–328CrossRef Meng XF, Liao HJ, Zhang JW (2021) Research on the collapsibility of loess after water immersion. Nat Hazards 109:303–328CrossRef
go back to reference Muniram B (2011) Earth fissure formation from the mechanics of groundwater pumping. Int J Geomech 11:1–11CrossRef Muniram B (2011) Earth fissure formation from the mechanics of groundwater pumping. Int J Geomech 11:1–11CrossRef
go back to reference Peng JB, Qiao JW, Leng YQ, Wang FY, Xue SZ (2016a) Distribution and mechanism of the ground fissures in Wei River Basin, the origin of the Silk Road. Environ Earth Sci 75:718CrossRef Peng JB, Qiao JW, Leng YQ, Wang FY, Xue SZ (2016a) Distribution and mechanism of the ground fissures in Wei River Basin, the origin of the Silk Road. Environ Earth Sci 75:718CrossRef
go back to reference Peng JB, Sun XH, Wang W, Sun GC (2016b) Characteristics of land subsidence, earth fissures and related disaster chain effects with respect to urban hazards in Xi’an. China Environ Earth Sci 75:1190CrossRef Peng JB, Sun XH, Wang W, Sun GC (2016b) Characteristics of land subsidence, earth fissures and related disaster chain effects with respect to urban hazards in Xi’an. China Environ Earth Sci 75:1190CrossRef
go back to reference Peng JB, Xu JS, Ma RY, Wang FY (2016c) Characteristics and mechanism of the Longyao ground fissure on North China Plain, China. Eng Geol 214:136–146CrossRef Peng JB, Xu JS, Ma RY, Wang FY (2016c) Characteristics and mechanism of the Longyao ground fissure on North China Plain, China. Eng Geol 214:136–146CrossRef
go back to reference Peng JB, Qu W, Ren J, Zhang Q, Wang FY (2018) Geological factors for the formation of Xi’an ground fractures. J Earth Sci 29:468–478CrossRef Peng JB, Qu W, Ren J, Zhang Q, Wang FY (2018) Geological factors for the formation of Xi’an ground fractures. J Earth Sci 29:468–478CrossRef
go back to reference Qiao JW, Xia YY, Zhen JG, Lu QZ, Liu ZH, Wang JM (2021) Research on development characteristics and formation mechanisms of collapsible earth fissure. J Catastr 36:71–76 (In Chinese with English abstract) Qiao JW, Xia YY, Zhen JG, Lu QZ, Liu ZH, Wang JM (2021) Research on development characteristics and formation mechanisms of collapsible earth fissure. J Catastr 36:71–76 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Rojas E, Arzate J, Arroyo M (2002) A method to predict the group fissuring and faulting caused by regional groundwater decline. Eng Geol 65:245–260CrossRef Rojas E, Arzate J, Arroyo M (2002) A method to predict the group fissuring and faulting caused by regional groundwater decline. Eng Geol 65:245–260CrossRef
go back to reference Sheng ZP, Helm DC, Li J (2003) Mechanisms of Earth Fissuring Caused by Groundwater Withdrawal. Environ Eng Geosci 9:351–362CrossRef Sheng ZP, Helm DC, Li J (2003) Mechanisms of Earth Fissuring Caused by Groundwater Withdrawal. Environ Eng Geosci 9:351–362CrossRef
go back to reference Sun P, Peng JB, Chen LW, Yin YP, Wu SR (2009) Weak tensile characteristics of loess in China — An important reason for ground fissures. Eng Geol 108:153–159CrossRef Sun P, Peng JB, Chen LW, Yin YP, Wu SR (2009) Weak tensile characteristics of loess in China — An important reason for ground fissures. Eng Geol 108:153–159CrossRef
go back to reference Wan JW, Li B, Tan CX, Feng CJ, Zhang P, Qi BS (2020) Characteristics and main causes of earth fissures in northeastern Beijing Plain, China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 79:2919–2935CrossRef Wan JW, Li B, Tan CX, Feng CJ, Zhang P, Qi BS (2020) Characteristics and main causes of earth fissures in northeastern Beijing Plain, China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 79:2919–2935CrossRef
go back to reference Wang XJ, Mi WJ, Xiong ZW, Wu XP, Qu YH, Wei YL (2012) Water immersion field tests of collapsibility of loess foundation of Zhengzhou - Xi’an passenger dedicated line. J Chin Railw Soc 01:83–90 (In Chinese with English abstract) Wang XJ, Mi WJ, Xiong ZW, Wu XP, Qu YH, Wei YL (2012) Water immersion field tests of collapsibility of loess foundation of Zhengzhou - Xi’an passenger dedicated line. J Chin Railw Soc 01:83–90 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Wang YG, Kuang SF, Su JL (2016) Critical caving erosion width for cantilever failures of river bank. Int J Sediment Res 31:220–225CrossRef Wang YG, Kuang SF, Su JL (2016) Critical caving erosion width for cantilever failures of river bank. Int J Sediment Res 31:220–225CrossRef
go back to reference Wang FY, Peng JB, Meng ZJ, Qiao JW, Wen HG, Ma PH, Liu Y, Jia ZJ, Zhao JY (2019a) The origin and impact of the Shizhuang ground fissure, Yingxian area, Datong Basin. China Eng Geol 261:105283CrossRef Wang FY, Peng JB, Meng ZJ, Qiao JW, Wen HG, Ma PH, Liu Y, Jia ZJ, Zhao JY (2019a) The origin and impact of the Shizhuang ground fissure, Yingxian area, Datong Basin. China Eng Geol 261:105283CrossRef
go back to reference Wang QM, Li KC, Gu HW, Kang Z (2019b) Application of field test pit immersion test in subway engineering in collapsible loess regions. Gr Water 01:115–120 (In Chinese with English abstract) Wang QM, Li KC, Gu HW, Kang Z (2019b) Application of field test pit immersion test in subway engineering in collapsible loess regions. Gr Water 01:115–120 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Wang QM, Fan HG, Liu Y, Fang SN, Zhang X (2022) Study on field immersion test of large thickness self-weight collapsible loess sites. Geotech Eng Tech 36:409–416 (In Chinese with English abstract) Wang QM, Fan HG, Liu Y, Fang SN, Zhang X (2022) Study on field immersion test of large thickness self-weight collapsible loess sites. Geotech Eng Tech 36:409–416 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Wu XP, Xiong ZW, Wang XJ, Qu YH (2012) Study of immersion collapsible characteristics under overburden pressure of Western Henan loess along Zhengzhou-Xi’an high-speed railway. Rock Soil Mech 33:1769–1773 (In Chinese with English abstract) Wu XP, Xiong ZW, Wang XJ, Qu YH (2012) Study of immersion collapsible characteristics under overburden pressure of Western Henan loess along Zhengzhou-Xi’an high-speed railway. Rock Soil Mech 33:1769–1773 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Wu XP (2016) Study on the characteristies of collapse and permeability of large thickness Loess ground based on water immersion test. Ph.D. thesis, Lanzhou university Wu XP (2016) Study on the characteristies of collapse and permeability of large thickness Loess ground based on water immersion test. Ph.D. thesis, Lanzhou university
go back to reference Yang Z, Wang JD, Li KC, Zhao JG, Chao J (2022) Experimental study on site test pit immersion in loess tableland section of Xi’an north-airport Intercity railway. J Chin Railw Soc 44:107–115 (In Chinese with English abstract) Yang Z, Wang JD, Li KC, Zhao JG, Chao J (2022) Experimental study on site test pit immersion in loess tableland section of Xi’an north-airport Intercity railway. J Chin Railw Soc 44:107–115 (In Chinese with English abstract)
go back to reference Yao YG, Zhang YC, Gao XL, Huang HW, Liu DF, Hui XQ (2021) Study on permeability and collapsibility characteristics of sandy loess in northern Loess Plateau. China. J Hydrol 603:126883CrossRef Yao YG, Zhang YC, Gao XL, Huang HW, Liu DF, Hui XQ (2021) Study on permeability and collapsibility characteristics of sandy loess in northern Loess Plateau. China. J Hydrol 603:126883CrossRef
go back to reference Zang MD, Peng JB, Qi SW (2019) Earth fissures developed within collapsible loess area caused by groundwater uplift in Weihe watershed, northwestern China. J Asian Earth Sci 173:364–373CrossRef Zang MD, Peng JB, Qi SW (2019) Earth fissures developed within collapsible loess area caused by groundwater uplift in Weihe watershed, northwestern China. J Asian Earth Sci 173:364–373CrossRef
go back to reference Zhang XZ, Lu YD, Li X, Lu YC, Sun JZ, Pan WS (2019) Multilevel collapsibility of loess under irrigation in Jinya town, Gansu province, China. Adv Civ Eng 2019:1–13 Zhang XZ, Lu YD, Li X, Lu YC, Sun JZ, Pan WS (2019) Multilevel collapsibility of loess under irrigation in Jinya town, Gansu province, China. Adv Civ Eng 2019:1–13
Metadata
Title
Earth fissures induced by water infiltration in collapsible loess: predictions based on a cantilever beam rotation failure mode
Authors
Yuemin Sun
Jiewei Zhan
Quanzhong Lu
Zhaoyue Yu
Jianbing Peng
Publication date
01-08-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment / Issue 8/2024
Print ISSN: 1435-9529
Electronic ISSN: 1435-9537
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-024-03840-5

Other articles of this Issue 8/2024

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 8/2024 Go to the issue