Mechanistic insights from emergent landslides in physical experiments

Abstract

Landslides pose a major natural hazard, and heterogeneous conditions and limited data availability in the field make it difficult to connect mapped landslide inventories to the underlying mass-failure mechanics. To test and build predictive links between landslide observations and mechanics, we monitored 67.89 h of physical experiments in which an incising and laterally migrating river generated landslides by undercutting banks of moist sand. Using overhead photos (every 20 s) and 1-mm-resolution laser topographic scans (every 15–30 min), we quantified the area, width, length, depth, volume, and time of every visible landslide, as well as the scarp angles for those within 3 min prior to a topographic scan. Both the landslide area–frequency distribution and area–volume relationship are consistent with those from field data. Cohesive strength controlled the peak in landslide area–frequency distribution. These results provide experimental support for inverting landslide inventories to recover the mechanical properties of hillslopes, which can then be used to improve hazard predictions.

Analysis of the Mechanisms Underpinning Rainstorm-Induced Landslides

“…In another research, sensors were embedded in a test model and the variations of the landslide's volumetric water content, temperature, and displacements were examined [23]. Using a comprehensive model test as well as a three-dimensional laser scanning technology, Beaulieu et al [24] analyzed the underlying mechanics of landslides and estimate material parameters relevant to elastic failure. In another study, a rainfall device was developed and the influence of long-term rainfall on slope instability was studied [25].…”