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Simulating dynamic processes and hypermobility mechanisms of the Wenjiagou rock avalanche triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake using discrete element modelling

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Abstract

The discrete element method is well suited for simulating the cracks and subsequent large displacements of catastrophic landslides or rock avalanches, and is therefore a useful tool for analysing their complicated dynamic processes and hypermobility mechanisms. In this study, particle flow code was used to investigate the dynamic processes and hypermobility mechanisms of the Wenjiagou rock avalanche triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Characterization of the avalanche dynamics was achieved using a model comprising four stages: failure rupture, projectile motion, granular debris flow, and debris mass accumulation. The results show that collision on the valley floor was the main factor causing the fragmentation of the Wenjiagou rock avalanche. The upper and front edge of the landslide body were the most likely to move over a long distance. The results also show that friction was the main source of energy dissipation during the entirety of the avalanche movement. The high gravitational potential energy of the avalanche was the basis of the high mobility. In addition, because of their effects on energy dissipation, the low basal friction coefficient, favourable block movement, and topographical conditions played key roles in the rapid, long-runout Wenjiagou avalanche process.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 41272298 and 41372290).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Depositional Mineralization and Sedimentary Minerals, College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, No. 579, Qianwangang Road, Hungdao District, Qingdao, 266590, People’s Republic of China

    Qinghai Deng, Linxian Gong, Liping Zhang, Yongqiang Xue, Xuke Geng & Shanxiang Hu

  2. Key Laboratory of Active Tectonics and Volcano, China Earthquake Administration, Institute of Geology, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of China

    Renmao Yuan

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  1. Qinghai Deng
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  2. Linxian Gong
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Correspondence to Qinghai Deng.

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Deng, Q., Gong, L., Zhang, L. et al. Simulating dynamic processes and hypermobility mechanisms of the Wenjiagou rock avalanche triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake using discrete element modelling. Bull Eng Geol Environ 76, 923–936 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-016-0914-2

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