Effect of initial water content on soil failure mechanism of loess mudflow disasters

The frequency of mudflow disasters induced by rainfall in the Loess Plateau is increasing with occurrence global warming. initial water content one basic properties soil, which affects initiation loess mudflow. In this work, field study debris flow gullies Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province, China, was conducted, and main factors that induce gully were summarized. Based on investigation results, a flume model designed to carry out tests different soil contents. experimental results demonstrate following. (1) Different contents lead failure models. damage when range 0−5% mainly erosion; within 10−15% rill surface 20−25% dam breach failure. (2) When equal or less than 5% greater 20%, can promote formation mudflow, destruction more likely cause disasters. contrast, 10−15%, not easily produced. research provide only theoretical support for disasters, but also reference prevention control Plateau.