Stability of Huangtupo I# Landslide under Three Gorges Reservoir Operation

Abstract

Abstract. During the normal operation of Three Gorges Reservoir, the water level of the reservoir will fluctuate periodically, which will soften and decrease the shear strength of rock soil on the bank, meanwhile decrease the landslide stability. Huangtupo landslide is a typical large and complex landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, which is consist of four sub-landslides. In particular, the stability of its riverside Huangtupo I# landslide has a great stake. Based on the analysis of engineering geological condition of Huangtupo landslide, the 2D finite element model of Huangtupo I# landslide(The Riverside Slumping mass I#) was established, the proper mechanical parameters was selected. By using the GeoStudio software, according to the reservoir running curve, the simulation on coupling effect of seepage field and stress field was conducted in 7 different modes within the period of one year. The results showed that: ①the reservoir water level fluctuations will affect both the displacement in saturated and un-saturated area of landslide; especially when the water level drawing down sharply; ②the stability coefficient of Huangtupo I# changes with the reservoir water level fluctuations; the minimum stability coefficient occurs 48 days after the water level drawing down and the moment when the water level falls by 11.9m, under that moment the Huangtupo I# is unstable.