Numerical modelling of groundwater response in slopes in Hong Kong

Abstract

Hong Kong faces landslide risk every year where many landslides are triggered by heavy rainfalls during summer. The infiltration into the slope can adversely affect the stability of the slopes in different ways. The groundwater response in slope is one of the subjects of interest, and also a subject to be understood. Part of the challenge is the complex nature of the groundwater flow within the unsaturated soil above the groundwater table. This paper attempts to provide a better understanding of the subject by developing and testing a numerical model to study the response of groundwater when it experiences a severe rainstorm. The results of testing this model provide some insight on how rainstorm affects the groundwater inside the slope and some understanding on the mechanism by which a transient perched groundwater table is developed.