Behaviour of Slope Protecting and Retaining Structures during Wenchuan Earthquake on May 12 2008

Abstract:

At 14:28, May 12th 2008, a strong earthquake measured Ms8.0 hits Longmenshan mountain area, west Sichuan province, China. The quake is induced by the thrust of Longmenshan central fault, results in around 50000 rock avalanches and landslides, destroys numerous villages and towns, and causes nearly 90000 fatalities or missing. Based on field reconnaissance, the geology and fault patterns in Longmenshan mountain area are firstly introduced, then the damage or failure phenomena of slope protecting and retaining structures in quake-hit area is described and discussed, including slide-resistant piles, gravity retaining walls, shotcrete, anchored concrete frame, cable bolts and protecting nets. Special discussion is given to the behaviour of cable bolts based on measured data. And finally design issues is discussed in quake-prone areas.

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