Numerical modeling of the effect of preferential flow on hillslope hydrology and slope stability

The topic of this thesis is the quantification of the influence of preferential flow on landslide-triggering in potentially unstable slopes. Preferential flow paths (e.g., cracks, macropores, fissures, pipes, etc.) commonly exists in slopes. Flow velocities in preferential flow paths can be significantly larger than in the matrix. Under large...

Analysis of plant root-induced preferential flow and pore-water pressure variation by a dual-permeability model

Vegetation can affect slope hydrology and stability via plant transpiration and induced matric suction. Previous work suggested that the presence of plant roots would induce preferential flow, and its effects may be more significant when the planting density is high. However, there is a lack of numerical studies on how planting density...

Coupling a 1D Dual-permeability Model with an Infinite Slope Stability Approach to Quantify the Influence of Preferential Flow on Slope Stability

In this study, a 1D hydro-mechanical model was developed by coupling a dual-permeability model with an infinite slope stability approach to investigate the influence of preferential flow on pressure propagation and slope stability. The dual-permeability model used two modified Darcy-Richards equations to simultaneously simulate the matrix flow...

How to Use COMSOL Multiphysics for coupled dual-permeability hydrological and slope stability modeling

Preferential flow paths, such as cracks, macropores, fissures, pipes etc. are common features of highly heterogeneous slopes. During intense rainstorms, preferential flow has a significant influence on subsurface flow and slope stability. Dual-permeability models are widely used to simulate preferential flow, but have not been incorporated into...