A model for interpreting the deformation mechanism of reservoir landslides in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China

Abstract. Landslides whose slide surface is gentle near the toe and relatively steep in middle rear part are common Three Gorges Reservoir area, China. The mass that overlies of termed “driving section”, which “resisting section”. A driving–resisting model presented to elucidate deformation mechanism reservoir landslides this type, as exemplified by Shuping landslide. More than 13 years field observations include rainfall, level, show displacement velocity landslide depends strongly on level but only slightly rainfall. Seepage modeling shows was destabilized shortly after first impounded 135 m, initiated a period steady from 2003 2006 driven buoyancy forces resisting section. Cyclical water fluctuations subsequent also affected slope stability, with annual “jumps” coinciding drawdown periods produce outward seepage forces. In contrast, inward force results rising levels stabilizes slope, indicated decreased velocity. Corrective transfer earth driving section successfully reduced feasible treatment for huge similar geological settings.