Numerical analysis of the effect of strength parameters on the large-deformation flow process of earthquake-induced landslides

• Published in: Engineering geology 2019-10, Vol.260, p.105239, Article 105239
• Main Authors: Zhang, Weijie, Xiao, Danqiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Earthquake-induced landslide; Flow velocity; Run-out; SPH; Strength parameters
• ISSN: 0013-7952; 1872-6917
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2019.105239

In previous studies on earthquake-induced flow-like landslides based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method, the mechanism by which the material strength parameters influence the flow behavior was unclear. Therefore, based on the Bingham fluid model and the concept of equivalent viscosity, this study analyzed the run-out and velocity of flow-like landslides under different internal friction angles and varying cohesion to investigate the influence of these parameters. The SPH method was validated by comparing the simulated accumulation area of the Wenjia gully landslide with observed data. Then, by simulating the flow process of a conceptual landslide, this study obtained the variations in sliding distance and flow velocity with time. It was found that the effect of the internal friction angle is more significant than that of cohesion, which can provide a theoretical basis for the reinforcement of possible landslides in the field of engineering geology. •This study adopted the SPH method that combines the Bingham fluid model and the concept of equivalent viscosity.•SPH simulation reproduced the flow process of the Wenjia gully landslide with a similar outline to survey data.•Influence of internal friction angle on the flow behavior is more significant than that of cohesion.•Result provided a theoretical basis for the reinforcement of possible landslides for disaster prevention and mitigation.