Creep mechanism of landslide formation in rock with bedding and weak layers in Zezhou, Shanxi, China

Landslides formed in rock with bedding and weak layers threaten the environmental safety of the Yellow River Basin in China. Further study of the creep mechanism of such landslides will help to evaluate their stability. In this study, field investigation, data monitoring, basic parameter tests, and expansion pressure test are combined. The failure characteristics and mechanism of the Luoquan (LQ) landslide in Zezhou, Shanxi, China, under natural rainfall conditions are analyzed in detail. The creep deformation of the LQ landslide occurred continuously during the period of meteorological rainfall concentration. Natural rainfall was the main triggering factor of the long-term creep deformation of the LQ landslide. With increasing saturation degree and time of the slide zones, the creep deformation of the LQ landslide was caused by weakening of the shear strength and expansion of the slide zones, causing cracks in roads and houses built on surfaces. When the natural rainfall decreased, the weakening, softening, and expansion mechanism of the slide zones weakened. The stability of the LQ landslide increased, and the creep deformation gradually stopped. As of now, the creep deformation rate of the LQ landslide, currently increasing, is likely to develop into complete destabilization. Therefore, the on-site monitoring of the LQ landslide needs to be continued.