Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Force and energy equilibrium-based analytical method for progressive failure analysis of translational rockslides: formulation and comparative study

  • Technical Note
  • Published:
Landslides Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Massive rockslides are recognized as one of the most catastrophic hazards due to their rapid sliding velocity and high destructiveness. This study focuses on the progressive failure analysis of translational rockslides (PFTRs) on a cataclinal dip slope, whose shear failure develops mainly along the bedding plane of the underlying strata from the head to the toe of the rockslide. A force and energy equilibrium-based analytical method (FEE) is proposed, combining shear failure propagation and strength degradation, to analyse the stability based on static equilibrium and displacement based on energy equilibrium. A representative translational rockslide, the Shanshucao landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China, is used as a case study. The results of the FEE are validated by comparison with the revised rigid limit equilibrium method (RLEM) and numerical simulation (NS). According to the RLEM and NS, when the shear failure of the slide surface develops to a position with a horizontal distance of approximately 225 m, the rockslide steps into the critical state from partial progressive deformation to failure of the entire rockslide. The FEE obtains a similar result, and the corresponding horizontal distance is 200 m. The rockslide displacement calculated by the FEE agrees well with the results of the NS. Before the critical state, the rockslide displacement is less than 0.05 m; afterwards, the displacement of the entire rockslide obviously increases. In addition, it is proven that the hydrostatic pressure in subvertical tension cracks and the post-failure shear surfaces are the primary impetus for accelerated deformation of rockslides and further development of failure surfaces. The validated results indicate that the FEE is a straightforward and effective method to analyse both the stability and displacement of PFTR, which is significant for rockslide early warning and risk mitigation. In addition, the FEE still has limitations with regard to generalization of the landslide geo-mechanical model and the method validation with observational data of historical events.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

References

  • Agliardi F, Crosta GB, Meloni F, Valle C, Rivolta C (2013) Structurally-controlled instability, damage and slope failure in a porphyry rock mass. Tectonophysics 605:34–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Azarafza M, Akgün H, Feizi-Derakhshi MR, Azarafza M, Rahnamarad J, Derakhshani R (2020) Discontinuous rock slope stability analysis under blocky structural sliding by fuzzy key-block analysis method. Heliyon 6(5):e03907

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Azarafza M, Akgün H, Ghazifard A, Asghari-Kaljahi E, Rahnamarad J, Derakhshani R (2021) Discontinuous rock slope stability analysis by limit equilibrium approaches-a review. Int J Digital Earth 14(12):1918–1941

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolla A, Paronuzzi P (2020) Numerical investigation of the pre-collapse behavior and internal damage of an unstable rock slope. Rock Mech Rock Eng 53:2279–2300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton N, Choubey V (1977) The shear strength of rock joints in theory and practice. Rock Mech 10(1):1–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Böhme M, Hermanns RL, Oppikofer T, Fischer L, Bunkholt HSS, Eiken T, Pedrazzini A, Derron MH, Jaboyedoff M, Blikra LH, Nilsen B (2013) Analyzing complex rock slope deformation at Stampa, western Norway, by integrating geomorphology, kinematics and numerical modeling. Eng Geol 154:116–130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng YM, Yip CJ (2007) Three-dimensional asymmetrical slope stability analysis extension of Bishop’s, Janbu’s, and Morgenstern–Price’s techniques. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 133(12):1544–1555

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chai B, Jiang B, Du J, Xiao L (2016) Diagrammatize movement disintegration patterns of translational rockslide. Environmental Earth Sciences 75(4):323

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crosta G, Frattini P, Fusi N (2007) Fragmentation in the Val Pola rock avalanche. Italian Alps. J Geophys Res-Earth 112(F1)

  • Crosta GB, Prisco C, Frattini P, Frigerio G, Castellanza R, Agliardi F (2014) Chasing a complete understanding of the triggering mechanisms of a large rapidly evolving rockslide. Landslides 11(5):747–764

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cruden DM, Varnes DJ (1996) Landslide types and processes. In Landslides investigation and mitigation. In: Turner AK, Schuster RL (eds) Transportation Research Board, US National Research Council. Special Report 247, Washington, DC 1996, Chapter 3, pp 36–75

  • De Blasio FV, Crosta GB (2015) Fragmentation and boosting of rock falls and rock avalanches. Geophys Res Lett 42(20):8463–8470

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dykes AP, Bromhead EN (2018) New, simplified and improved interpretation of the Vaiont landslide mechanics. Landslides 15(10):2001–2015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eberhardt E, Stead D, Coggan JS (2004) Numerical analysis of initiation and progressive failure in natural rock slopes—the 1991 Randa rockslide. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41(1):69–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geo-hazard Prevention and Management Command of the Three Gorges Reservoirs (2004) Geological survey technical handbook of geo-hazard prevention project in the three Gorges Reservoir

  • Hu GB, Wen SJ, Sun HZ, Sun JP (2015) Stability analysis method for slope reinforced with anti-slide pile based on minimum potential energy principle. Electron J Geotech Eng 20(23):12359–12476

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Brown ET (1980) Empirical strength criterion for rock masses. J Geotech Eng Div 106(9):1013–1035

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Brown ET (1988) The Hoek-Brown failure criterion e a 1988 update. In: Curran JH (ed) Proceedings of the 15th Canadian rock mechanics symposium. Toronto, Canada: Civil Engineering Department, University of Toronto

  • Hoek E, Brown ET (2019) The Hoek–Brown failure criterion and GSI — 2018 edition. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 11(3):445–463

  • Hoek E, Diederichs MS (2006) Empirical estimation of rock mass modulus. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 43(2):203–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hungr O, Leroueil S, Picarelli L (2014) The Varnes classification of landslide types, an update. Landslides 11(2):167–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hürlimann M, Ledesma A, Corominas J, Prat PC (2006) The deep-seated slope deformation at Encampadana, Andorra: representation of morphologic features by numerical modelling. Eng Geol 83(4):343–357

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Imre B, Laue J, Springman SM (2010) Fractal fragmentation of rocks within sturzstroms: insight derived from physical experiments within the ETH geotechnical drum centrifuge. Granular Matter 12:267–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jian W, Xu Q, Yang H, Wang F (2014) Mechanism and failure process of Qianjiangping landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir. China Environmental Earth Sciences 72(8):2999–3013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalatehjari R, Rashid AA, Hajihassani M, Kholghifard M, Ali N (2014) Determining the unique direction of sliding in three-dimensional slope stability analysis. Eng Geol 182:97–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kokusho T, Ishizawa T (2007) Energy approach to earthquake-induced slope failures and its implications. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering ASCE 133(7):828–840

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kokusho T, Kabasawa K (2003) Energy approach to flow failure and its application to flow due to water film in liquefied deposits. Proc. of International Conference on Fast Slope Movements, Prediction and Prevention for Risk Mitigation, Naples, 297–302

  • Kokusho T., Ishizawa T., Koizumi K., 2011 Energy approach to seismically induced slope failure and its application to case histories. Eng Geol 122:115–128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klaus RL, David AY, Florian F (2009) Landslides, ice quakes, earthquakes: a thermodynamic approach to surface instabilities. Pure Appl Geophys 166:1885–1908

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kilburn CRJ, Pasuto A (2003) Major risk from rapid, large-volume landslides in Europe (EU Project RUNOUT). Geomorphology 54(1):3–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar N, Verma AK, Sardana S, Sarkar K, Singh TN (2018) Comparative analysis of limit equilibrium and numerical methods for prediction of a landslide. Bull Eng Geol Env 77(2):595–608

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kainthola A, Verma D, Thareja R, Singh TN (2013) A review on numerical slope stability analysis. International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Research (IJSETR) 2(6):1315–1320

  • Locat P, Couture R, Leroueil S, Locat J, Jaboyedoff M (2006) Fragmentation energy in rock avalanches. Can Geotech J 43(8):830–851

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Y, Wang C, Gao G (2020) Analysis of the instability conditions and failure mode of a special type of translational landslide using long-term monitoring data: a case study of the Wobaoshi landslide (in Bazhong, China). Nat Hazards Earth Syst Sci 20:1305–1319

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mauldon M, Ureta J (1996) Stability analysis of rock wedges with multiple sliding surfaces. Geotech Geol Eng 14(1):51–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McSaveney MJ, Davies TR (2009) Surface energy is not one of the energy losses in rock comminution. Eng Geol 109:109–113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miao FS, Wu YP, Török Á, Li LW, Xue Y (2022) Centrifugal model test on a riverine landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir induced by rainfall and water level fluctuation. Geosci Front 13(3):101378-S1674987122000317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2022.101378

  • Müller-Salzburg L (1987) The Vajont catastrophe—a personal review. Eng Geol 24(1):423–444

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paronuzzi P, Bolla A (2012) The prehistoric Vajont rockslide: an updated geological model. Geomorphology 169:165–191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qi C, Wu J, Liu J et al (2016) Assessment of complex rock slope stability at Xiari, southwestern China. B Eng Geol Environ 75(2):537–550

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin C, Chen G, Zhu J et al (2020) A precursor of translational rockslide: rock spalling in the key block triggered by tensile cracks. B Eng Geol Environ 79(5):2513–2528

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spilotro G, Fidelibus C, Lenti V (1991) A model for evaluating progressive failure in earth slopes. Landslides, Bell (ed), 565–571

  • Stead D, Wolter A (2015) A critical review of rock slope failure mechanisms: the importance of structural geology. J Struct Geol 74:1–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun Jiaping Yu, Tiantang DP (2022) Evaluation of 3D slope stability based on the minimum potential energy principle. Comput Geotech 146:104717

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tang H, Zou Z, Xiong C et al (2015) An evolution model of large consequent translational rockslides, with particular reference to the Jiweishan rockslide in Southwest China. Eng Geol 186:17–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varnes DJ (1978) Slope movement types and processes. In: Schuster RL, Krizek RJ (Ed), Landslides, analysis and control, Special Report 176: Transportation Res. Board, Nat. Ac. of Sci., Washington, DC., pp 11–33

  • Voight B, Pariseau W (1978) Rockslides and avalanches: an introduction. Dev Geotech Eng 14:1–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen SJ, Li Y, Chen X (2011) Stability analysis of slope with arbitrary sliding surface on multi strata using minimum potential energy principle. Adv Mater Res 250–253:2588–2591

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weidinger JT (2006) Predesign, failure and displacement mechanisms of large rockslides in the Annapurna Himalayas. Nepal Eng Geol 83(1):201–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wasantha PLP, Ranjith G, Shao SS (2014) Energy monitoring and analysis during deformation of bedded-sandstone: use of acoustic emission. Ultrasonics 54:217–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu G, Li W, Yu Z et al (2015) The 2 September 2014 Shanshucao landslide, Three Gorges Reservoir. China Landslides 12(6):1169–1178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu J, Tang X, Wang Z et al (2020) Investigating the softening of weak interlayers during landslides using nanoindentation experiments and simulations. Eng Geol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2020.105801

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yin Y, Sun P, Zhang M et al (2011) Mechanism on apparent dip sliding of oblique inclined translational rockslide at Jiweishan, Chongqing. China Landslides 8(1):49–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang HQ, Xing SG, Wang Q, Li Z (2018) Model test on the entrainment phenomenon and energy conversion mechanism of flow-like landslides. Eng Geol 239:119–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang H, Jian W, Wang F, Meng F, Okeke AC (2013) Numerical simulation of failure process of the Qianjiangping landslide triggered by water level rise and rainfall in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. In: Wang F, Miyajima M, Li T, Shan W, Fathani T (eds) Progress of geo-disaster mitigation technology in Asia. Environmental Science and Engineering(). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Zhao L, Li D, Tan H et al (2019) Characteristics of failure area and failure mechanism of a translational rockslide in Libo County, Guizhou. China Landslides 16(7):1367–1374

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng B, Qi S (2016) A new index to describe joint roughness coefficient (JRC) under cyclic shear. Eng Geol 212:72–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng Y, Xia L, Yu Q (2016) Analysis of removability and stability of rock blocks by considering the rock bridge effect. Can Geotech J 53(3):384–395

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng Y, Chen C, Liu T, Song D, Meng F (2019) Stability analysis of anti-dip bedding rock slopes locally reinforced by rock bolts. Eng Geol 251:228–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Zhang S. and Yu X. for taking part in the field investigation. We also thank the assistance of the Research Center of Geohazard Monitoring and Warning in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

Funding

This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Nos. 42172318 and 41572256].

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Rd, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Juan Du, Xushan Shi, Bo Chai, Zhengpeng Luo, Li Zheng & Bo Liu

  2. Centre for Severe Weather and Climate and Hydro-Geological Hazards, Wuhan, 430078, China

    Juan Du

  3. Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, Wuhan, 430078, China

    Bo Chai

  4. Research Center for Geohazards Monitoring and Warning in Three Gorges Reservoir, Wanzhou, 404000, China

    Juan Du & Bo Chai

  5. Faculty for Geosciences, Geography and Astronomy, University of Vienna, 1010, Vienna, Austria

    Thomas Glade

Authors
  1. Juan Du
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xushan Shi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Bo Chai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Thomas Glade
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Zhengpeng Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Li Zheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Bo Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bo Chai.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Du, J., Shi, X., Chai, B. et al. Force and energy equilibrium-based analytical method for progressive failure analysis of translational rockslides: formulation and comparative study. Landslides 20, 475–488 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-022-01980-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-022-01980-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation