Simplified Approach for the Analysis of Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides

Abstract

This paper presents a simplified approach for the analysis of shallow landslides triggered by heavy rainfalls, which occur after a rainy period. On the basis of some analytical solutions, this approach combines a simple infiltration model to calculate the change in pore water pressure caused by rain infiltration within the slope, with a sliding-block model to assess whether a slope failure occurs owing to a prescribed rainfall. If this is the case, the method also allows the time at which the landslide is triggered and the subsequent slope movements to be readily evaluated.