Mathematical and Numerical Modeling of Slope Stability for the Mong Sen Landslide Event in the Trung Chai Commune, Sapa, Vietnam

Abstract

AbstractThe northern mountainous region of Vietnam is particularly susceptible to sediment-related disasters, such as landslides, during the rainy season. This paper presents slope stability modeling results for a landslide event triggered by heavy rainfall in Trung Chai commune, Sapa, Vietnam. Stability simulations were conducted using input data, including 1-m DEM, the distribution and characteristics of slope materials, and the change of pore pressure ratio. The behavior of slopes under the impact of rainfall was analyzed using the limit equilibrium method and the finite element method, which are integrated into the programs of Rocscience Inc. In addition, since the Trung Chai commune is located in a seismically active region, single earthquakes or the combination of earthquakes and rainfall may trigger landslides. As a result, the study determined the relationship between seismic loading and pore water pressure for the studied slope. The study results showed that both limit equilibrium and the finite element methods have high efficacy in modeling slope stability in this study. Therefore, this study recommended that these methods may be employed for slope stability studies in other regions of Vietnam or other regions of the world with similar geological conditions.