Effects of strength properties of discontinuities on the unstable lower slope in the Chiu-fen-erh-shan landslide, Taiwan

This study presents the results of the post-failure behavior simulation of the lower slope of the Chiu-fen-erh-shan landslide using Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA). The simulation results show that the surface rocks in the sliding mass move faster and further than the rocks at great depth. The angle of internal friction is found to have a great influence on the failure process than does the cohesion. The sliding rocks are accumulated in the depression in front of the toe of the landslide except under the conditions of very low internal friction. The depression performs as a buffer zone when the lower slope fails.