Large-deformation finite-element modelling of earthquake-induced landslides considering strain-softening behaviour of sensitive clay

Abstract

Large-scale landslides in sensitive clays cannot be explained properly using the traditional limit equilibrium or Lagrangian-based finite-element (FE) methods. In the present study, dynamic FE analysis of sensitive clay slope failures triggered by an earthquake is performed using a large-deformation FE modelling technique. A model for post-peak degradation of undrained shear strength as a function of accumulated plastic shear strain (strain-softening) is implemented in FE analysis. The progressive development of “shear bands” (the zone of high plastic shear strains) that causes the failure of a number of soil blocks is simulated successfully. Failure of a slope could occur during an earthquake and also at the post-quake stage until the failed soil masses come to a new static equilibrium. Upslope retrogression and downslope runout of the failed soil blocks are examined for varying geometries and soil properties. The present FE simulations can explain some of the conditions required for different types of seismic slope failure (e.g., spread, flowslide or monolithic slides) to be triggered, as observed in the field.