Localised fluidisation in a giant loess landslide

Abstract

On 1 September 2022, a giant loess landslide occurred in Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Qinghai Province, China. This catastrophic event brought to light a unique loess fluidisation phenomenon. In specific parts of the landslide, the loess completely transformed into a viscous, fluid-like state, whereas other parts showed a deep-seated slide that retained their structural integrity. In this case, loess with different sliding patterns exhibited varying levels of mobility and destructive potential. Based on the field investigation, electrical resistivity tomography was employed to investigate the groundwater condition of the slope. Subsequently, ring-shear tests were carried out to examine the mechanical properties of the sliding zone loess under different saturation degrees and its response to rainfall as a triggering factor. The results indicate that the natural water content in the original slope was unevenly distributed, influenced by local terrain and groundwater runoff. Following the initial slide caused by cumulative rainfall, the overlying sliding material with high degree of saturation was likely to fluidise due to the increase in excess porewater pressure caused by continued shearing, ultimately resulting in flow-like movement features. In contrast, in areas with a deeper groundwater table, the initial shear could only be sustained over a short distance. This study reveals a mechanism of multiple movement patterns that may coexist in giant loess landslides.