Numerical simulations of kinetic formation mechanism of Tangjiashan landslide

Tangjiashan landslide is a typical high-speed landslide hosted on consequent bedding rock.The landslide was induced by Wenchuan earthquake at a medium-steep hill slope.The occurrence of Tangjiashan landslide was basically controlled by the tectonic structure,topography,stratum lithology,slope structure,seismic waves,and strike of fiver.Among various factors,the seismic loading with great intensity and long duration was dominant.The landslide initiation exhibited the local amplification effect of seismic waves at the rear of the slope,the dislocation effect on the fault,and the shear failure differentiating effect on the regions between the soft and the hard layers.Based on field investigations and with the employment of the distinct element numerical simulation program UDEC (universal distinct element code),the whole kinetic sliding process of Tangjiashan landslide was represented and the formation mechanism of the consequent rock landslide under seismic loading was studied.The results are helpful for understanding seismic dynamic responses of consequent bedding rock slopes,where the slope stability could be governed by earthquakes.