Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Among all the geological disasters (GD), collapse, landslide and debris flow are the most serious. Prediction of geological disasters is the most effective means to reduce casualties and property losses. However, the early identification and warning technology of collapse have been difficult to achieve effectively. Therefore, the scope of this research topic is about the quantitative identification of dangerous rock, the risk assessment of landslide instability precursors, the quantitative model of movable solid source in debris flow source area, the application research of new monitoring and early warning technology systems, and the corresponding control and reinforcement measures.

We cordially invite relevant scholars to submit their research findings to the article collection of this topic, which will hopefully improve the early warning technology of GD and serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and the stimulation of new innovations.

The subtopics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Rock dynamics and failure precursor of rock collapse.
• Quantitative dynamic damage identification of unstable rock or rock landslide.
• Analysis of the causative mechanism and disaster-causing factors of GD.
• Risk and stability assessment method for GD.
• Quantitative model of movable solid source in debris flow source area.
• Application research of new monitoring technology for GD and establishment of the early warning index system.
• The corresponding control and reinforcement measures for GD.

Prof. Dr. Mowen Xie
Dr. Yan Du
Prof. Dr. Yujing Jiang
Prof. Dr. Bo Li
Dr. Xuepeng Zhang
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.7	4.5	2011	16.9 Days	CHF 2400
GeoHazards geohazards	-	-	2020	20.7 Days	CHF 1000
Geosciences geosciences	2.7	5.2	2011	23.6 Days	CHF 1800
Remote Sensing remotesensing	5.0	7.9	2009	23 Days	CHF 2700
Minerals minerals	2.5	3.9	2011	18.7 Days	CHF 2400
Materials materials	3.4	5.2	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600
ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information ijgi	3.4	6.2	2012	35.5 Days	CHF 1700

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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17 pages, 12961 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mechanics and Stability of Force Chain Arch in Excavated Granular Material

by Meimei Wang, Jianwei Zheng and Shanshan Xue

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2485; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062485 - 15 Mar 2024

Viewed by 407

Abstract

Rock and soil masses in geotechnical engineering projects, such as tunnels, mines and slopes, undergo relative motion, exhibiting mechanical characteristics of solid–fluid transition under critical conditions. This work analyzes the characteristics of the solid–fluid transition interface and the mode of load transfer through [...] Read more.

Rock and soil masses in geotechnical engineering projects, such as tunnels, mines and slopes, undergo relative motion, exhibiting mechanical characteristics of solid–fluid transition under critical conditions. This work analyzes the characteristics of the solid–fluid transition interface and the mode of load transfer through biaxial compression particle flow photoelastic experiments on granular materials. The study documents that this interface forms an arch shape, marked by a force chain arch. The granular material exhibits two distinct states depending on its position: below the arch, the granular material is in a solid–fluid transitional state, with bearing capacity reduced, while above the arch, it is in a stable solid state, capable of bearing the overlying rock layer’s load. The presence of the force chain arch alters the direction of the originally downward-transferring load, redirecting it along the trajectory of the arch. Analysis of the force and stability of the force chain arch revealed that the arch shape parameters and boundary loads control the instability of the arch. Changes in the overlying and lateral loads lead to different types of instability of the force chain arch. The findings of the study are crucial for underground engineering construction and for the prevention of geological disasters related to granular material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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27 pages, 9940 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Shallow Landslide Runout Distance in Eocene Flysch Facies Using Empirical–Statistical Models (Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye)

by Muge Pinar Komu, Hakan Ahmet Nefeslioglu and Candan Gokceoglu

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13030084 - 08 Mar 2024

Viewed by 967

Abstract

Uncertainties related to runout distances in shallow landslide analyses may not only affect lives but may also result in economic losses. Owing to the increase in shallow landslides, which are especially triggered by heavy rainfall, runout distances have been investigated to decipher whether [...] Read more.

Uncertainties related to runout distances in shallow landslide analyses may not only affect lives but may also result in economic losses. Owing to the increase in shallow landslides, which are especially triggered by heavy rainfall, runout distances have been investigated to decipher whether applications of a functional runout distance are feasible. This paper aims to give insights into the modeling of the shallow landslide runout probability in Eocene flysch facies in the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye. There are two main stages in this study—which are dominated by empirical models, the detection of initiation points, and propagation—which help us to understand and visualize the possible runout distances in the study area. Shallow landslide initiation point determination using machine learning has a critical role in the ordered tasks in this study. Modified Holmgren and simplified friction-limited model (SFLM) parameters were applied to provide a good approximation of runout distances during the propagation stage using Flow-R software. The empirical model parameters suggested for debris flows and shallow landslides were investigated comparatively. The runout distance models had approximately the same performance depending on the debris flow and shallow landslide parameters. While the impacted total runout areas for the debris flow parameters were predicted to amount to approximately 146 km², the impacted total runout areas for the shallow landslide parameters were estimated to be about 101 km². Considering the inclusion of the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 precipitation scenarios in the analyses, this also shows that the shallow landslide and debris flow runout distance impact areas will decrease. The investigation of runout distance analyses and the inclusion of the RCP scenarios in the runout analyses are highly intriguing for landslide researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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29 pages, 7152 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on the Geomechanical Properties of Block-in-Matrix Rocks

by Songfeng Guo, Qianhui Wei, Shengwen Qi, Lei Xue, Bowen Zheng, Hongjian Wang, Jinxuan Li, Shuaihua Song, Ning Liang, Yu Zou and Zhiquan Huang

Materials 2024, 17(5), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051167 - 01 Mar 2024

Viewed by 537

Abstract

The differences in geomechanical properties and the uncertainty in the spatial distribution of Bimrock pose significant challenges to the construction and disaster prediction of geotechnical engineering. To clarify the geomechanical characteristics of Bimrock, this paper summarizes the basic concepts and classification methods of [...] Read more.

The differences in geomechanical properties and the uncertainty in the spatial distribution of Bimrock pose significant challenges to the construction and disaster prediction of geotechnical engineering. To clarify the geomechanical characteristics of Bimrock, this paper summarizes the basic concepts and classification methods of Bimrock at home and abroad. It discusses the methods and characteristics of determining the geometric features of Bimrock blocks and explores the influencing factors and laws of failure modes and strength under different stress states of Bimrock. The study finds that the failure mode of Bimrock is mainly influenced by factors such as block proportion, degree of welding between blocks and matrix, strength ratio between blocks and matrix, and geometric properties of blocks. Among these factors, block proportion is the most significant, and the degree of welding is a controlling factor. However, due to the complexity of Bimrock structures, there is a lack of applicable methods and mechanical models for the evaluation of geomechanical characteristics of Bimrock in engineering practice. This article also explores the influence and research methods of the geological characteristics of Bimrock in slope and tunnel engineering and, finally, provides prospects for the future research trends relating to Bimrock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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23 pages, 27417 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Piezocone Penetrometer (CPTU) and Flat Dilatometer (DMT) Methods for Landslide Characterisation

by Kristijan Grabar, Jasmin Jug, Anja Bek and Stjepan Strelec

Geosciences 2024, 14(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14030064 - 26 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 910

Abstract

The increasing occurrence of landslides worldwide causes many human casualties and huge socio-economic losses. Therefore, the fastest and most accurate characterisation of landslides is important. The objective of this study is to compare how well the flat dilatometer (DMT) test and the piezocone [...] Read more.

The increasing occurrence of landslides worldwide causes many human casualties and huge socio-economic losses. Therefore, the fastest and most accurate characterisation of landslides is important. The objective of this study is to compare how well the flat dilatometer (DMT) test and the piezocone penetration (CPTU) test can find the depth of a sliding zone. Inclinometers were used to measure horizontal changes in the soil to ensure the depth of the sliding zone was correct. The coincidence of the results of in situ static probes, and the displacements of the inclinometers is a sure confirmation of the depth of the sliding zone. In the example of Bedekovčina and Kravarsko landslides, in situ static probes were used to obtain values of input parameters on the sliding zone for parametric sensitivity analysis of parameters. Sensitivity analysis was performed by plotting the relationship between the above parameters and the vertical effective stress σ′_vo on the sliding zone. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters of 11 tested samples shows that for the parameters of the obtained DMT probe, a higher sensitivity of the parameters is obtained, closer to the values concerning the expected range, and a minor standard deviation. The parameter K_d obtained by dilatometer probing is the best indicator of the depth of the sliding zone. The literature value K_d = 1.8–2.0 on the sliding zone in this paper is extended to the range K_d = 1.8–2.5, and its detection sensitivity is influenced by over-consolidation in shallow soil layers. In general, the research results show that the dilatometer probe has an advantage over the piezocone penetrometer test for the needs of landslide characterisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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23 pages, 14593 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment of Landslide Collapse Disasters along National Highways Based on Information Quantity and Random Forest Coupling Methods: A Case Study of the G331 National Highway

by Zuoquan Nie, Qiuling Lang, Yichen Zhang, Jiquan Zhang, Yanan Chen and Zengkai Pan

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2023, 12(12), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi12120493 - 06 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1479

Abstract

Based on the data from two field surveys in 2015 and 2022, this paper calculates the weight of values using the entropy weight method and the variation coefficient method, and evaluates risk using the information quantity method. The information quantities of four levels [...] Read more.

Based on the data from two field surveys in 2015 and 2022, this paper calculates the weight of values using the entropy weight method and the variation coefficient method, and evaluates risk using the information quantity method. The information quantities of four levels of criteria (hazards, exposure, vulnerability, emergency responses, and capability of recovery) were extracted and inputted into a random forest model. After optimizing the hyperparameters of the random forest using GridSearchCV, the risk assessment was performed again. Finally, the accuracy of the two evaluation results was verified using an ROC curve, and the model with the higher AUC value was selected to create a risk map. Compared with previous studies, this paper considers the factors of emergency responses and recovery capability, which makes the risk assessment more comprehensive. Our findings show that the evaluation results based on the coupling model are more accurate than the evaluation results of the information method, as the coupling model had an AUC value of 0.9329. After considering the indices of emergency responses and capability of recovery, the risk level of the highest-risk area in the study area decreased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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22 pages, 11096 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Quick Estimation Model for Mapping Earthquake Impacts in Bogotá, Colombia

by Hiroyuki Miura, Masashi Matsuoka, Juan C. Reyes, Nelson Pulido, Mitsufumi Hashimoto, Andrea C. Riaño, Alvaro Hurtado, Raul Rincon, Helber García and Carlos Lozano

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2023, 12(12), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi12120471 - 21 Nov 2023

Viewed by 2165

Abstract

Early disaster responses in damaged areas after a large earthquake are indispensable for stakeholders to assess and grasp the impacts such as building and infrastructure damage and disrupted community functionality as soon as possible. This study introduces a quick estimation model for mapping [...] Read more.

Early disaster responses in damaged areas after a large earthquake are indispensable for stakeholders to assess and grasp the impacts such as building and infrastructure damage and disrupted community functionality as soon as possible. This study introduces a quick estimation model for mapping seismic intensities and building losses in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. The model uses ground motion records in the seismic network, soil maps of average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 m (Vs30) with site amplifications, building inventory, and vulnerability functions for all building types. The spatial distribution of ground motion intensities, including spectral accelerations, was estimated by interpolating the observed seismic intensities with the Vs30-based site amplifications. The losses (repair cost) for all the buildings were evaluated by integrating the estimated spectral accelerations, the building inventory, and the vulnerability functions. The spatial distributions of seismic intensities and building losses can be computed within a few minutes immediately after triggering earthquake motions in the seismic network. The proposed model demonstrates evaluations of the impacts for the Mw6.0 earthquake that occurred on December 2019 and an earthquake scenario with Mw7.0 from an active fault near the Bogotá region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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15 pages, 6304 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on Mechanical Properties of Deep Expansive Soil and Coupling Damage Model of Freeze–Thaw Action and Loading

by Zhuliang Zhu, Bin Lin and Shiwei Chen

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 11099; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131911099 - 09 Oct 2023

Viewed by 735

Abstract

This study is primarily intended to present a damage constitutive equation under the combined action of confining pressures and freeze–thaw cycles by subjecting deep expansive clay to the consolidated undrained triaxial tests. We study the influence of the numbers of freeze–thaw cycles on [...] Read more.

This study is primarily intended to present a damage constitutive equation under the combined action of confining pressures and freeze–thaw cycles by subjecting deep expansive clay to the consolidated undrained triaxial tests. We study the influence of the numbers of freeze–thaw cycles on various mechanical indexes of soil by using the TSZ-2 instrument (fully automatic triaxial instrument). As the number of freeze–thaw cycles increases, the ultimate peak stress of the soil decreases, and then, the effect of the freeze–thaw effect on the shear strength gradually weakened. By combining the expression method of the damage variable under the action of loading alone with the expression method under the action of freeze–thaw cycles alone, we brought in the damage evolution equation to obtain the damage constitutive equation under the combined action of confining pressures and freeze–thaw cycles. The stress values under three confining pressures (100 kPa, 200 kPa, and 300 kPa) can be determined by using the final damage constitutive model. The measured data with a water content of 17% and six freeze–thaw cycles were compared with the theoretical data. The actual strength values were 118.4 kPa, 152.3 kPa, and 184.1 kPa, and the theoretical strength values were 120 kPa, 150 kPa, and 186 kPa. The fitting degree of the strength value was as high as 99%, which verifies the feasibility of this model. This study can serve as an available reference for well wall construction and disaster prediction in deep coal mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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30 pages, 28105 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Application of AHP-ICM and AHP-EWM in Collapse Disaster Risk Mapping in Huinan County

by Zengkang Lu, Chenglong Yu, Huanan Liu, Jiquan Zhang, Yichen Zhang, Jie Wang and Yanan Chen

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2023, 12(10), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi12100395 - 28 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1014

Abstract

Collapses are one of the most common geological disasters in mountainous areas, which easily damage buildings and infrastructures and bring huge property losses to people’s production and life. This paper uses Huinan County as the study area, and with the help of a [...] Read more.

Collapses are one of the most common geological disasters in mountainous areas, which easily damage buildings and infrastructures and bring huge property losses to people’s production and life. This paper uses Huinan County as the study area, and with the help of a geographic information system (GIS) based on the formation principle of natural disaster risk, the information content method (ICM), the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and the analytical hierarchy process–information content method (AHP-ICM) model are applied to hazard mapping, and the analytical hierarchy process-entropy weight method (AHP-EWM) model is applied to exposure, vulnerability and emergency responses, and recovery capability mapping. A risk mapping model for collapse disasters was also constructed using these four elements. Firstly, an inventory map of 52 landslides was compiled using remote sensing interpretation, field verification, and comprehensive previous survey data. Then, the study area mapping units were delineated using the curvature watershed method in the slope unit, and 21 indicators were used to draw the collapse disaster risk zoning map by considering the four elements of geological disaster risk. The prediction accuracy of the three hazard mapping models was verified using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under the curve (AUC) results of the AHP, ICM, and AHP-ICM models were 80%, 85.7%, and 87.4%, respectively. After a comprehensive comparison, the AHP-ICM model is the best of the three models in terms of collapse hazard mapping, and it was applied to collapse risk mapping with the AHP-EWM model to produce a reasonable and reliable collapse risk zoning map, which provides a basis for collapse management and decision making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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21 pages, 9095 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanical Characterization of Pyroclastic Deposits for Landslide Early Warning Systems

by Emilia Damiano, Martina de Cristofaro, Antonia Brunzo, Goffredo Carrieri, Luisa Iavazzo, Nadia Netti and Lucio Olivares

Geosciences 2023, 13(10), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13100291 - 23 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1145

Abstract

Broad mountainous areas in the western Campania (southern Italy), where young pyroclastic deposits extensively outcrop, frequently experience rainfall-induced slope movements of different degrees of mobility, causing heavy damage and fatalities. Such landslides cannot be easily mitigated, and the implementation of physically based early [...] Read more.

Broad mountainous areas in the western Campania (southern Italy), where young pyroclastic deposits extensively outcrop, frequently experience rainfall-induced slope movements of different degrees of mobility, causing heavy damage and fatalities. Such landslides cannot be easily mitigated, and the implementation of physically based early warning systems is still not able to predict the post-failure evolution of slope movements and the exposed areas at risk. This paper is devoted to overcoming this limit. To this end, the mechanical characterization of pyroclastic soil, carried out through an extensive laboratory testing program, is presented and compared with those of two other ashy soils of different depositional mechanisms. The results show that the depositional mode influences soil properties; to begin with, it affects the unsaturated shear strength, whose intercept of cohesion is up to 5 kPa higher in ashes of flow deposition than in airfall ash deposits. The saturated undrained soil response allowed for the identification of different levels of susceptibility to the liquefaction of pyroclastic deposits, which is one of the main factors governing the post-failure evolution of landslides. Gathering all the acquired information, including saturated and unsaturated soil shear strength, permeability function, and water retention curves, into a soil database, it was possible to present all data under a unitary framework. Finally, the implementation of the proposed flowchart for a simplified assessment of post-failure evolution to be employed in regional early warning systems can enhance our knowledge of the areas at risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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12 pages, 7575 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Characteristics of Pore Change in Tuff under the Frost and Salt Action Using High-Precision CT Scanning Equipment

by Lilei Chen, Yue Sun, Chao Wang, Peng Sha, Huijun Jin, Minghao Liu and Anyuan Li

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10483; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810483 - 20 Sep 2023

Viewed by 637

Abstract

Using high-precision CT scanning equipment, two series of tests on frost and salt weathering were conducted to investigate the characteristics of pore change in tuff. Experiments on frost and salt aging were performed with pieces of tuff from the same area of southeast [...] Read more.

Using high-precision CT scanning equipment, two series of tests on frost and salt weathering were conducted to investigate the characteristics of pore change in tuff. Experiments on frost and salt aging were performed with pieces of tuff from the same area of southeast China. One set of tuff samples was soaked in saturated sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate solutions for 60 days. Another set of tuff samples were subjected to 60 freeze–thaw cycles after being submerged in saturated sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate solutions for 48 h. Our study demonstrates that processes such as salt erosion and freeze–thaw affect the pore evolution of tuffs significantly. Tuff lost 1.56% of its mass after being submerged in magnesium sulfate solutions for 60 days, while tuff submerged in sodium sulfate solutions gained a negative 0.33% of its mass. After 60 freeze–thaw cycles, the mass loss of tuff samples immersed in sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and distilled water solutions was 3.52%, 3.58%, and 3.82%, respectively. The average porosity of the magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate test groups increased by 6.59% and 4.14%, respectively, when the number of days of salt erosion was extended from 10 to 60 days. The average porosity of tuff samples immersed in magnesium persulfate and sodium sulfate solutions increased by 2.25% and 2.18%, respectively, as the number of freeze–thaw cycles went from 10 to 60. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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21 pages, 11638 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Factor Analysis on the Stability of High Slopes in Open-Pit Mines

by Hui Cao, Gaotong Ma, Peng Liu, Xiushan Qin, Chunping Wu and Jin Lu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 5940; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13105940 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

During the production of open-pit mines, the stability of slopes can be affected by various factors such as structural surfaces, production blasting vibrations, and mining areas. In this study, the researchers focused on the slope of the open-pit mine at Yinshan and employed [...] Read more.

During the production of open-pit mines, the stability of slopes can be affected by various factors such as structural surfaces, production blasting vibrations, and mining areas. In this study, the researchers focused on the slope of the open-pit mine at Yinshan and employed UAV mapping technology to conduct an on-site geological engineering investigation. Information on the yield, trace length, spacing, and density of the structural surface of the south slope was obtained. The researchers also carried out vibration blasting tests in combination with the production blasting activities in the mine to determine the blasting vibration attenuation law and whether the blasting vibration speed met safety specifications. Additionally, numerical simulation methods were used to examine the influence of the mining area on the stability of the current slope and the designed excavation slope. The slope stability was evaluated using the limit equilibrium method, and the researchers separately discussed the influence of self-weight load and self-weight load plus blasting vibration force on the stability of the high slope of the open pit. The results showed the following: (1) The rock mass structural plane in the south slope of the mining area was mainly dominated by a medium-large dip structural plane, and three faults and joint fissures in the investigation area combined to form cutting and sliding surfaces in the rock mass that were prone to collapse and sliding. (2) The maximum blasting vibration speed met safety requirements. (3) There was no large range of plastic zone damage in the entire slope, and the overall stability of the slope was good. (4) The present slope was relatively stable when considering only self-weight stress and the blasting vibration force. However, there was a certain risk of instability in the design of the excavation slope. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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28 pages, 6888 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Earthquake-Induced Landslides by Using a Stochastic Modeling Approach: A Case Study of the 2001 El Salvador Coseismic Landslides

by Claudio Mercurio, Laura Paola Calderón-Cucunuba, Abel Alexei Argueta-Platero, Grazia Azzara, Chiara Cappadonia, Chiara Martinello, Edoardo Rotigliano and Christian Conoscenti

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2023, 12(4), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi12040178 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2197

Abstract

In January and February 2001, El Salvador was hit by two strong earthquakes that triggered thousands of landslides, causing 1259 fatalities and extensive damage. The analysis of aerial and SPOT-4 satellite images allowed us to map 6491 coseismic landslides, mainly debris slides and [...] Read more.

In January and February 2001, El Salvador was hit by two strong earthquakes that triggered thousands of landslides, causing 1259 fatalities and extensive damage. The analysis of aerial and SPOT-4 satellite images allowed us to map 6491 coseismic landslides, mainly debris slides and flows that occurred in volcanic epiclastites and pyroclastites. Four different multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) models were produced using different predictors and landslide inventories which contain slope failures triggered by an extreme rainfall event in 2009 and those induced by the earthquakes of 2001. In a predictive analysis, three validation scenarios were employed: the first and the second included 25% and 95% of the landslides, respectively, while the third was based on a k-fold spatial cross-validation. The results of our analysis revealed that: (i) the MARS algorithm provides reliable predictions of coseismic landslides; (ii) a better ability to predict coseismic slope failures was observed when including susceptibility to rainfall-triggered landslides as an independent variable; (iii) the best accuracy is achieved by models trained with both preparatory and trigger variables; (iv) an incomplete inventory of coseismic slope failures built just after the earthquake event can be used to identify potential locations of yet unreported landslides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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19 pages, 10364 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Photogrammetry-Based 3D Textured Point Cloud Models Building and Rock Structure Estimation

by Tiexin Liu and Jianhui Deng

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4977; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084977 - 15 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1292

Abstract

Trace lines on the outcrop of a rock mass are usually the primary data source for the estimation of rock structure. It is important to obtain the data of trace lines precisely. Photogrammetry is well suited to finish this task. However, this is [...] Read more.

Trace lines on the outcrop of a rock mass are usually the primary data source for the estimation of rock structure. It is important to obtain the data of trace lines precisely. Photogrammetry is well suited to finish this task. However, this is mainly conducted by commercial software, and not every researcher has easy access to the method of digital photogrammetry. This study aims to provide researchers with a low-cost method of building a photogrammetry-based textured 3D point cloud model (FMBPM) and display the applicability of the method to estimating the rock structure of rock masses. In the FMBPM, a digital single-lens reflex camera with a prime lens and a total station are the necessary hardware employed to capture images and measure the coordinates of feature points. A coordinate transformation means of converting model coordinates to physical coordinates was introduced. A program for calculating a joint orientation based on the coordinates of inflection points on the trace line of the joint was developed. A section of a rock slope was selected as a case to show the procedures and the practicability of the FMBPM. The textured 3D point cloud model of the rock slope was successfully built, and the rock structure of the rock slope was analyzed using the joint disk model generated based on the trace lines extracted from the point cloud model. The results show that: (1) the precision of the point coordinates of the textured 3D point cloud model could achieve 3.96 mm, taking the data of the total station as the reference; (2) the rock structure of the slope is good, according to the value of the rock quality designation; (3) the new method is applicable in engineering practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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16 pages, 3087 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Relative Sea-Level Rise, Meteoric Water Infiltration and Rock Weathering on Giant Volcanic Landslides

by Julien Gargani

Geosciences 2023, 13(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13040113 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1740

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that giant landslides correlate with climatic variations. However, the precise processes involved in this phenomenon need to be better defined. This study investigates the causes of giant landslides using a modeling approach. Here, I show that the effect of [...] Read more.

Recent studies have shown that giant landslides correlate with climatic variations. However, the precise processes involved in this phenomenon need to be better defined. This study investigates the causes of giant landslides using a modeling approach. Here, I show that the effect of meteoric water infiltration could be distinguished from that of the sea level rise in triggering paleo-landslides. It is possible to identify the cause of coastal paleo-landslides based on the age of occurrence and comparison with climatic signals when glacial maxima are wetter than during interglacial periods, as in Polynesia and East Equatorial Africa, but not in other cases (Caribbean, Indonesia). The role of pore-pressure variations and sea water loading variations is discussed. The interaction between the relative sea level rise, pre-existing relief and deep weak structure due to the presence of highly weathered lavas may trigger the conditions for a large landslide. Highly weathered lavas have very low friction angles in volcanic islands. When volcanoes are still active, pressure fluctuations in the magma chamber caused by sea level lowering are expected to play a significant role in the destabilization of the relief. Competing processes in real cases make it difficult to distinguish between these processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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13 pages, 2507 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on Stability Evaluation of Perilous Rock on Soil Slope Based on Natural Vibration Frequency

by Yanchang Jia, Guihao Song, Luqi Wang, Tong Jiang, Jindi Zhao and Zhanhui Li

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2406; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042406 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1121

Abstract

Perilous rock instability on the soil slope brings a substantial threat to project operation and even people’s lives. The buried depth of the perilous rock is a challenge to deal with and primarily determines its stability, and the indirect rapid identification of its [...] Read more.

Perilous rock instability on the soil slope brings a substantial threat to project operation and even people’s lives. The buried depth of the perilous rock is a challenge to deal with and primarily determines its stability, and the indirect rapid identification of its buried depth is the key to its stability evaluation. The paper aims to find a new and quick method to measure the buried depth of perilous rock on the soil slope and to solve the hard-to-measure buried depth stability evaluation. When the damping ratio is less than one, and the deformation is linear elastic throughout the amplitude range, the potentially perilous rock vibration model may reduce to a multi-degree-of-freedom vibration one. By theoretical deduction, a quantitative relationship is established among the perilous rock mass, the basement response coefficient, the buried depth of the perilous rock, and the natural horizontal vibration frequency. In addition, the accuracy of this relationship is confirmed via numerous indoor experiments, showing that the horizontal vibration frequency of the perilous rock model in one dimension increases as the buried depth increases. Finally, based on the natural vibration frequency and guided by the limit balance model, a stability evaluation model of the perilous rock on the soil slope is constructed. Hence, the example shows that the method is feasible. The research findings are of vital significance for the stability evaluation of the perilous rock on the soil slope and give a novel approach and theoretical foundation for quick identification and monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)

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