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Framework for probabilistic assessment of landslide: a case study of El Berrinche

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Abstract

Slope failure or landslide is a complex geological/geotechnical problem that involves much uncertainty. In this work, a framework for probabilistic assessment of landslide is presented with a focus on the El Berrinche landslide, Honduras. One unique feature of this case study involving the El Berrinche landslide is that the stability analysis has to be carried out with limited data. Another challenge in this study is to assess possible remedial measures in a way that can easily be communicated to the government and the public. A reliability-based framework for a probabilistic assessment is proposed. With this approach, different levels of risk for landslide are assessed and the associated costs are estimated; and all information is integrated into the decision-making process for choosing a remedial action.

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Acknowledgments

The first writer wishes to acknowledge the financial support provided by GeoConsult, Ltd. and Clemson University during the course of his study at Clemson University, and the assistance of Dr. Lawson Smith (deceased) and Dr. Richard Olsen of US Army Corps of Engineers in the field investigation of the El Berrinche landslide.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. GeoConsult, S.A. de C.V. 801 Tercera Avenida, Alameda, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

    Raul Flores Peñalba

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634-0911, USA

    Zhe Luo & C. Hsein Juang

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan

    C. Hsein Juang

Authors
  1. Raul Flores Peñalba
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  2. Zhe Luo
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  3. C. Hsein Juang
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Correspondence to C. Hsein Juang.

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Flores Peñalba, R., Luo, Z. & Juang, C.H. Framework for probabilistic assessment of landslide: a case study of El Berrinche. Environ Earth Sci 59, 489–499 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0046-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0046-0

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