Stability Prediction of Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides: A Case Study of Mountainous Area in China

Heavy rainfall induces shallow landslides in the mountainous areas of China. There is a need for regional slope stability prediction to reduce the damage to infrastructure, residents, and the economy. This study attempts to demarcate areas prone to rainfall-induced shallow landslides using the transient rainfall infiltration and grid-based slope stability (TRIGRS) model under different rainfall conditions. After inputting the engineering geological and geotechnical characteristic data of the area in China, the slope stability was simulated and verified by a deformation monitoring landslide. The slope stability gradually declined under the influence of precipitation from 5-8 July 2021. Slope stability gradually decreased under the predicted rainfall intensity of 60 mm/d for 6 days. The percentage of the slope area with a factor of safety (FS) less than 1.0 increased from 0.00% (1 d) to 3.18% (6 d). The study results could be used for hazards mitigation in this region.

Automated summary

This study uses the TRIGRS model to demarcate areas prone to rainfall-induced shallow landslides in a certain region of China. By inputting engineering geological and geotechnical characteristic data, the slope stability is simulated and verified. The results show a gradual decrease in slope stability under the influence of precipitation, with an increase in the percentage of slope area with a factor of safety less than 1.0. The findings can be used for hazards mitigation in the region.