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Rainfall-induced reactivation mechanism of a landslide with multiple-soft layers

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Abstract

A study on the site investigation data from the Chengnan landslide, which was a partially reactivated ancient landslide in Meigu County, Xichang City, China, is presented. To explore the reactivation mechanism of the Chengnan landslide, we conducted site investigation, surface displacement monitoring, deep displacement monitoring, finite element analysis, and limit the equilibrium analysis of the Chengnan landslide. The results indicated that the Chengnan landslide experienced multiple reactivations. It was initially reactivated in 2002 along the first clay layer at a depth of 14 m; after comprehensive treatment measures, which included excavating to reduce loads, improving the drainage system, and installing anti-sliding piles in 2006, further deformation was prevented. However, heavy rainfall in 2007 caused groundwater infiltration, softening the second clay layer at a depth of 28 m and transforming it into a new sliding surface (i.e., the second sliding surface). Consequently, Chengnan landslide was reactivated again along the second sliding surface, and the anti-sliding piles moved together with upper sliding body along the second sliding surface because this sliding surface was located deeper than the anti-sliding piles. Based on the results of this study, a multilayer creeping–tension mechanism controlled by multiple soft layers of the Chengnan landslide was proposed. This interesting case study should be considered from a scientific and technical point of view; some valuable suggestions for site investigation and treatment of this kind of landslide are also proposed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors of this paper gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance provided by the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection Independent Research Project (SKLGP2016Z021) and the Key Program of the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (SKLGP2011Z002).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, China

    Yang Ren, Tianbin Li, Jieling Tang & Demin Xue

  2. Civil Engineering Department, Sichuan College of Architectural Technology, Deyang, 618000, Sichuan, China

    Simeng Dong

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  1. Yang Ren
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  2. Tianbin Li
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  3. Simeng Dong
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  4. Jieling Tang
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  5. Demin Xue
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Correspondence to Tianbin Li.

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Ren, Y., Li, T., Dong, S. et al. Rainfall-induced reactivation mechanism of a landslide with multiple-soft layers. Landslides 17, 1269–1281 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-020-01357-y

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