Risk evaluation of shallow landslides using the physical rule model

A method for predicting shallow landslide area in managed and unmanaged forests

“…Some studies have tested tree root strength, which can affect the risk of shallow landslides [e.g., Kitamura and Namba, 1981 ;Abe, 1998]. Physical models have been used in combination with infinite slope analysis models to calculate the risk of landslide occurrence, by considering the mechanical strength of the surface soil with its root system, i.e., effective soil cohesion [e.g., Tsukamoto, 1987 ;Sidle, 1991Sidle, , 1992Wu and Sidle, 1995 ;Dhakal and Sidle, 2003 ;Abe et al ., 2004 ;Kurokawa et al ., 2007]. Sidle [1991,1992] proposed the net root strength model based on root cohesion in response to vegetation management and, using this model, assessed the change in slope stability depending on forest harvesting and methods of forest management.…”