Reproducing Historical Slope Failure Processes Using a Physically Large-scale Model
Reproducing Historical Slope Failure Processes Using a Physically Large-scale Model
The Erwanping landslide, triggered by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, represents a catastrophic dip-slope failure in the Alishan region. This study aims to reconstruct the failure mechanism and investigate the temporal evolution of slope instability under extreme rainfall. To achieve this, a comprehensive integrated approach combining large-scale physical modelling and numerical simulation was employed. A 1:500 scale physical model was constructed using in-situ geological materials to replicate the site topography and stratigraphy. The model was subjected to a rainfall simulation mimicking the specific hyetograph of Typhoon Morakot. Real-time monitoring of pore water pressure (PWP) variations and internal/surface displacements was conducted throughout the experiment. Experimental results were compared with pre- and post-disaster topographic data to validate the deformation characteristics. Furthermore, a numerical analysis was performed to simulate the entire failure process. The comparative analysis reveals a high degree of consistency between the physical model, numerical results, and the actual event, particularly regarding the temporal sequence of failure onset and deformation trends. The study successfully reproduces the progressive failure process and confirms that the rapid rise in groundwater level within the dip slope was the primary trigger. These findings provide a verified basis for future early warning thresholds and the design of effective engineering remediation measures for similar geological settings.
Chihping Kuo; Tingyi Chou
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 3: Resilient geotechnical infrastructure
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-316