Exploring the Failure Mechanism of the Baige Landslide via Field Observations and Physical Model Tests

Abstract

In 2018, a catastrophic high-altitude landslide occurred at Baige, located within the tectonic suture zone of the Upper Jinsha River. The failure mechanism of this event remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the deformation characteristics and failure mechanism of the Baige landslide by employing a comprehensive methodology, including field geological surveys, analysis of historical remote sensing imagery, high-density electrical resistivity surveys, and advanced displacement monitoring. Additionally, the physical modeling experiments were conducted to replicate the unique failure modes. The findings propose a novel perspective on the failure mechanism of the Baige landslide, which involves two critical stages: first, the brittle shear zone bypasses and fails at the lower locked segment, and second, the failure of the upper locked segment, combined with the shear zone’s impact on the lower locked segment, triggers overall slope instability. Physical modeling experiments revealed a transition from initial acceleration to a rapid acceleration phase, particularly marked by a significant increase in velocity following the failure of the upper locked segment. The intensity of acoustic emission signals was found to correlate with the failure of the locked segments and the state of particle collisions post-failure. It offers new insights into the failure mechanisms of tectonic mélange belt large-scale landslides in suture zones, contributing to the broader field of landslide research.

Keywords

Baige landslides / Jinsha River tectonic mélange belt / failure pattern / physical model experiments / mechanisms

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