Physical and numerical modeling on the failure mechanism of landslides with a wall-like locking section

Landslides with a wall-like locking section can fail rapidly, resulting in a substantial loss of life and property. Clarifying the failure mechanism and evolutionary criteria of such landslides is vital for improving prediction and preventing of such disasters. Such clarification can be done efficiently using physical model tests. In this study, large-scale models were constructed to test the effect of the thickness of the wall-like locking section on the failure process and evolutionary characteristics of landslides induced by rainfall infiltration. Then, the failure mechanism of the landslides was examined using numerical models, which were verified by the results from the physical models. The results indicated that wall-like locking section in slope masses play a critical role in the development and failure mechanism of such landslides. The thickness of the wall-like locking section mainly affected the landslide failure time and had little impact on the landslide failure model. The evolutionary process of landslides with a wall-like locking section might be divided into three stages: leading edge traction, subside at the rear part, and shearing failure of locking section. The rapid increase in pore water pressure and settlement at the rear part could be regarded as the portents for the initiation of such landslide.