The research case of landslide and simulation using finite element method

Abstract

Massive landslides in Malaysia are mainly attributed to frequent and prolonged rainfalls, in many cases associated with monsoon seasons. Of the landslide prone areas in Malaysia, Bukit Antarabangsa area has received the most publicity. A landslide has happened at Bukit Antarabangsa on 6th December 2008.It destroyed 14 bungalows, kills four and injured 14. A study was conducted to gain understanding of the landslide and to simulate the formation of the landslide. Transient simulations by Geostudio Seep/W were done from 6th September to the landslide day by simulating actual rainfall to the modelled slope. Results from that simulation were integrated into slope stability simulation to understand how the changes in soil pore water pressure in soil reduced the slope strength. Slope stability simulation has been done using Plaxis 2D.Investigation from previous research stated that the landslide is a deep type.Transient analysis shows that prolonged rainfall received, months before the landslide has decreased the matric suction of slope soil. The stability simulation shows the failure plane that is similar to the actual one.The slope has factor of safety decreasing over time before hitting 0.994 on landslide day.