Numerical analysis of Daguangbao slope failure in China induced by Wenchuan earthquake

Resumo

The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake resulted in a large number of fatalities and caused significant economic losses, in China. Thousands of landslides, many of which are very large, were triggered by the earthquake. Most of these catastrophes were distributed along the Longmenshan fault system, on the edge of the Tibetan plate. Some of these landslides blocked rivers, causing flooding that in turn triggered secondary landslides. Among the most significant landslides, the Daguangbao landslide had the highest volume. To analyze the Daguangbao landslide, two-dimensional and three-dimensional numerical models based on the Material Point Method (MPM) were developed to simulate failure and post failure behavior of the slope, taking into account large deformations. The numerical results were compared with the post-earthquake profile and with the affected area by the event. As a consequence of the landslide, an almost vertical rockwall of more than 500m was generated. This situation is considered high risk, requiring ongoing monitoring and evaluation.