Kinetic characteristics investigation of the Yingxingping rockslide based on discrete element method combined with discrete fracture network

Abstract

The development of rock fractures on the mountain ridge in meizoseismal area may lead to fatal rockslides. This study focused on a catastrophic post-earthquake rockslide case in Wenchuan, Southwestern China. On-site investigation and aerial photography were used to ascertained the basic characteristics and determine three regions: the source area, transitional area, and depositional area. A three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) with the discrete fracture network (DFN) was employed to assess the dynamic process of the rockslide. The sliding mass disintegrated quickly into smaller blocks, with those in the front-edge reaching the bottom of the slope earlier and experiencing higher acceleration. The maximum velocity and displacement of the sliding blocks were found to be 56.75 ms-1 and 508.61 m, respectively, lasting for approximately 104.45 s. The effects of fractures density and friction angle on the kinetic characteristics of rockslide were analysed, and the check dam was utilized to prevent the rockslide deposit in the debris flow gully. This study provides referenced information for assessing the kinetic process and preventing post-earthquake rockslides in meizoseismal areas.