This study investigates the triggering mechanisms of reservoir bank landslides induced by water level fluctuations and rainfall, using the Shenjiagou slope near Baihetan Hydropower Station, China, as a case study. Baihetan Reservoir, with an installed capacity of 1.6×107 kW, has experienced numerous large-scale landslides influenced by complex hydro-mechanical factors. Centrifuge model tests at 30g simulated slope responses to water level fluctuations between 3 cm and 9 cm and high-intensity rainfall equivalent to 128 mm/day. Results show that rising reservoir water levels cause significant toe traction failure and development of tension cracks, resulting in fine particle detachment and macroscopic collapse due to saturation, buoyancy, and particle rearrangement. Subsequent rainfall infiltration through cracks triggers large-scale translational landslides by increasing soil saturation, weight, and seepage pressure, thereby accelerating slope destabilization. Grain size analysis confirms increased fine particle content at the landslide front, supporting the mechanism of pore pressure increase and reduction in effective stress. This research enhances understanding of coupled hydrodynamic effects on reservoir bank stability and provides a scientific basis for hazard assessment and mitigation strategies in high-risk reservoir areas such as Baihetan.
Southwest Jiaotong University, China (SWJTU) International Consortium on Geo-disaster Reduction (ICGdR) UNESCO Chair on Geoenvironmental Disaster Reduction
承办单位
Southwest Jiaotong University, China (SWJTU) International Consortium on Geo-disaster Reduction (ICGdR) UNESCO Chair on Geoenvironmental Disaster Reduction