Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Geomechanical interpretation of the Downie Slide considering field data and three-dimensional numerical modelling

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Landslides Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Downie Slide has been interpreted as a massive, composite rockslide, and a number of landslide zones have been defined based on the interpretation of morphological features and a detailed assessment of spatially discriminated slope behaviour. Key factors controlling the mechanics of massive slow-moving landslides can be interpreted through the observation and detailed study of the slope behaviour and physical characteristics. Once identified, key components influencing slope deformation can be tested using three-dimensional numerical models. Two series of numerical simulations have been developed to test how explicitly defined internal shear zones, and the interaction between landslide morphological regions, influence global landslide behaviour. Results from these numerical simulations, when compared to field monitoring data, indicate that internal shear zones have little influence on Downie Slide deformation, while the interaction between morphological zones plays a larger role in slope kinematics.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aguilar FJ, Agüera F, Aguilar MA, Carvajal F (2005) Effects of terrain morphology, sampling density and interpolation methods on grid DEM accuracy. Photogramm Eng Remote Sens 71(7):805–816

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bourne DR, Imrie AS (1981) Downie Slide investigations report on 1981 drilling program. B.C. Hydro Hydroelectric Generation Projects Division. Report no. H 1469

  • Bourne DR, Imrie AS, Wade MD (1978) Downie Slide investigations report on 1976–1977 field work. B.C. Hydro Hydroelectric Generation Projects Division. Report no. HE.C. 925

  • Brown RL, Psutka JF (1980) Structural and stratigraphic setting of the Downie Slide, Columbia River valley, British Columbia. Can J Earth Sci 17:698–709

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cruden AM, Varnes DJ (1996) Landslide types and processes. In: Turner AK, Schuster RL (eds) Landslides investigation and mitigation special report 247. National Academy, Washington, DC, pp 36–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Enegren EG (1995) Re-assessment of the static stability analysis of Downie Slide 1994. Columbia River—Revelstoke Project Downie Slide. Report no. H2889 18 pp

  • Gerraghty D, Lewis M (1983) Downie Slide field report on contract CR-10A geology and construction. B.C. Hydro and Power Authority, 40 pp

  • Golden Software Inc. (2002) Chapter 4: creating grid files. In: Surfer 8 contouring and 3D surface mapping for scientists and engineers user’s guide. Golden Software, Inc., Golden, pp 89-162

  • Hardy RL (1990) Theory and application of the multiquadratic-biharmonic method. Comput Math Appl 19:163–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BC Hydro (1974) Summary of 1973 exploration program. B.C. Hydro Engineering Hydroelectric Design Division. Report serial no. 725

  • BC Hydro (1976) Summary of 1974–1975 exploration program. Report number 744, June 1976

  • Itasca Consulting Group, Inc. (2003) 3DEC 3 Dimensional distinct element code: Theory and background. Excerpts from version 3.0 program manual

  • Jory LT (1974) Appendix 2 summary of geology. In: Revelstoke Project Downie Slide Investigations Summary of 1973 Exploration Program. BC Hydro report no. 725, 8 pp

  • Kalenchuk KS, Hutchinson DJ, Diederichs MS (2009a) Downie Slide—interpretations of complex slope mechanics in a massive, slow moving, translational landslide. In: Proc. of GeoHalifax2009–Canadian Geotechnical Conf. Halifax, Nova Scotia, pp 367-374

  • Kalenchuk KS, Hutchinson DJ, Diederichs MS (2009b) Influence of shear surface geometry on deformation processes in massive landslides. In: Diederichs M, Grasselli G (eds) 3rd Canada–US Rock Mechanics Symposium, 20th Canadian Rock Mechanics Symposium. Toronto, May, 10 pp

  • Kalenchuk KS, Hutchinson DJ, Diederichs MS (2009c) Application of spatial prediction techniques to defining three-dimensional landslide shear surface geometry. Landslides 6(4):321–333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalenchuk KS, Diederichs MS, Hutchinson DJ (2012) Three-dimensional numerical simulations of the Downie Slide to test the influence of shear surface geometry and heterogeneous shear zone stiffness. Comput Geosci 16:21–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kjelland N (2004) Constraints on GIS-based decision support systems for slope stability analysis via geotechnical modelling. Dissertation M.Sc., Queen’s University

  • Mikkelsen PE (1996) Chapter 11: field instrumentation. In: Turner AK, Schuster RL (eds) Landslides investigation and mitigation special report 246. National Academy, Washington, DC, pp 278–316

    Google Scholar 

  • Patton FD, Hodge RAL (1975) Airphoto study of the Downie Slide British Columbia. Report prepared for the Downie Slide Review Panel British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority Revelstoke Dam Project: 21 pp

  • Picarelli L, Russo C (2004) Remarks on the mechanics of slow active landslides and the interaction with man-made works. In: Lacerda, Ehrlich, Fontoura, Sayao (eds) Landslides: Evaluation and stabilization. Taylor & Francis, London, pp 1141–1176

    Google Scholar 

  • Piteau DR, Mylrea FH, Blown IG (1978) Chapter 10: Downie Slide, Columbia River, British Columbia, Canada. In: Voight B (ed) Rockslides and avalanches. Elsevier, New York, pp 365–392

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith WHF, Wessel P (1990) Gridding with continuous curvature splines in tension. Geophysics 55(3):293–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler JO (1965) Big Bend map-area, British Columbia (82 M east half). Geol. Survey of Can., Paper 64-32, 37 pp

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank BC Hydro, particularly the late John Psutka and Dennis Moore, for site and data access. This work has been made possible through contributions by NSERC, CFI and GEOIDE.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    K. S. Kalenchuk, D. J. Hutchinson & M. S. Diederichs

  2. Mine Design Engineering, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    K. S. Kalenchuk

Authors
  1. K. S. Kalenchuk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. J. Hutchinson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. S. Diederichs
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to K. S. Kalenchuk.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kalenchuk, K.S., Hutchinson, D.J. & Diederichs, M.S. Geomechanical interpretation of the Downie Slide considering field data and three-dimensional numerical modelling. Landslides 10, 737–756 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-012-0363-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-012-0363-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation