Shear strength characteristics and destabilization of the Erdaocha landslide, loess plateau, China

Abstract

Utilizing the strength parameter from the shearing test, the slide mechanisms of the Erdaocha landslide, which located in Loess plateau, China, were discussed. The slip surface was found in the vicinity of the interface between loess and shale. The fully-softened and residual strengths of soil samples from the slip surface were cleared by the ring shear test, and the groundwater level at the time when the landslide will be reactivated was calculated through the stability analysis. Next, it was revealed that the mobilization of the residual strength which reduces the average shear strength along the slip surface was indispensable for the primary stage of the landslide.