Application of seepage analyses based on Fredlund & Xing model in red beds terrace landslides in eastern Sichuan

The Shuitoushang landslide in Ershe in Qijiagou Village of Xinchang Town in Tongjiang County is a typical red-bed terrace landslide in eastern Sichuan. There are few studies on the seepage analyses of such landslides in this area, but similar slopes are widely distributed in the area. In this paper, on the basis of a large number of field investigations, surveys and data collection of disaster sites, the satellite remote sensing, UAV aerial photography, airborne LiDAR, indoor tests and other technical means are comprehensively used to analysis the landslide. Based on the mathematical model of Fredlund & Xing soil-water characteristic curve, the SEEP/W module in Geo-Studio is used to conduct the seepage analysis, and the analysis results at different time stages are coupled with the SLOPE/W module. Then the dynamic relationship between the stability coefficient, rainfall and time is obtained, revealing the deformation process and formation mechanism of the landslide. The results show that: (1) the continuous rainfall causes the groundwater level to rise and the slope stability to decrease, eventually leading to the overall instability and failure of the Shuitoushang landslide. (2) The deformation process of the landslide and the characteristics of groundwater exposure are basically consistent with the results calculated by Geo-Studio, indicating that the results based on Fredlund & Xing model can provide more accurate simulation results in similar areas. (3) Reclamation of terraced fields (paddy fields) will reduce slope stability. The results can provide theoretical support for hidden danger investigation and active prevention of similar landslide disasters in mountainous areas of Sichuan, and provide a reference for disaster prevention and mitigation.