Application of a cellular stress transfer model for retrogressive landslides

ABSTRACT: The upslope growth of retrogressive landslides is generally difficult to model. A cellular stress transfer model is a deterministic, numerical model that operates on a grid, and allows the patterns and underlying mechanics of movements to be explored using a reduced complexity approach. The model is time-dependent, which allows stress to transfer between cells, thereby allowing the system behaviour to be driven by spatial interactions over time. Once a cell reaches peak stress, a decrease to residual stress is simulated, and stress is transferred to surrounding cells. An initial demonstration of this model has been completed using data from Ten Mile Slide, British Columbia. The change in surface topography found through airborne LiDAR scanning change detection analysis was compared to the patterns of residual strength cells from the cellular model analysis. It was found that the model is generally able to reproduce observed patterns of slope damage and displacement.