Dynamic Analysis of a Long Run-Out Rockslide Considering Dynamic Fragmentation Behavior in Jichang Town: Insights from the Three-Dimensional Coupled Finite-Discrete Element Method

Abstract

To clearly realize the dynamic process as well as the dynamic fragmentation behavior of a long run-out rockslide, a novel numerical method for landslide simulation of the coupled finite-discrete element method (FDEM) was applied and the Jichang rockslide was used as a case. The calibrated simulation result of the FDEM in a rockslide deposit corresponds well with the real rockslide deposit. The main run-out process of the rockslide lasts for 75 s and can be divided into acceleration and deceleration stages, which last for 33 s and 42 s, respectively. The maximum overall rockslide movement speed is 35 m/s while the partial sliding mass reaches 45 m/s. The fracturing, fragmentation, and disintegration processes of the sliding mass can be clearly observed from the dynamic scenarios. Fracture energy generated by rock fracturing constantly increases with time in a non-linear form. Of the total fracture energy, 54% is released in the initial 5 s because of fracturing, and 39% of the total fracture energy is released because of fragmentation and disintegration in the last 35 s. The accumulated friction energy increases in the whole run-out process, and its magnitude is much greater than the kinetic energy and fracture energy of the sliding mass.