Shearing characteristics of slip zone soils and strain localization analysis of a landslide

Based on the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, a gradient-dependent plastic model that considers the strain-softening behavior is presented in this study. Both triaxial shear tests on conventional specimen and precut-specimen, which were obtained from an ancient landslide, are performed to plot the post-peak stress-strain entire-process curves. According to the test results of the soil strength, which reduces from peak to residual strength, the Mohr-Coulomb criterion that considers strain-softening under gradient plastic theory is deduced, where strength reduction depends on the hardening parameter and the Laplacian thereof. The validity of the model is evaluated by the simulation of the results of triaxial shear test, and the computed and measured curves are consistent and independent of the adopted mesh. Finally, a progressive failure of the ancient landslide, which was triggered by slide of the toe, is simulated using this model, and the effects of the strain-softening process on the landslide stability are discussed.