Landslide dynamic process and parameter sensitivity analysis by discrete element method: the case of Turnoff Creek rock avalanche

The great diversity and complexity of geological hazards in terms of flowing materials, environment, triggering mechanisms and physical processes during the flow bring great difficulties to the numerical parameter selection for the discrete element method. In order to identity the significance of individual parameters on the landslides dynamic process and provide valuable contribution to the runout analysis of similar landslide, the dynamic process and associated microscopic mechanism of the Turnoff Creek rock avalanche in Canada are simulated. The present numerical results are compared with the field survey data and the results of depth-integrated continuum method. The final deposit range matches well with the field survey data. It is illustrated that the discrete element method is robust and feasible to capture the dynamic characteristics of large rock avalanche over a complex terrain. Besides, a new method to assess the landslide hazard level based on the discrete element method is proposed. According to the parameter sensitivity analysis, it is demonstrated that the basal friction coefficient and bond strength are essential to the final deposit while rolling coefficient and restitution coefficient have little effects on it.