Analysis of historical data for a better understanding of post‐construction landslides at an artificial waterway. Issue 2 (18th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wohlers, Annika; Damm, Bodo
• Is Part Of: Earth surface processes and landforms. Volume 46:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2020-11-18
• Subjects: temporal landslide distribution -- landslide trigger -- precipitation -- landslide mitigation -- Mittelland Canal; Geomorphology -- Periodicals; 551.4
• DOI: 10.1002/esp.5028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-9337

Abstract

Abstract : With growing urbanization, an increasing number of landslides worldwide are linked to construction works, especially along transportation routes. To get a better understanding of these post‐construction landslides at artificial waterways, archive studies have been conducted, in addition to analysis of historical scientific literature and technical reports. The resultant database is used to describe the occurrence and the characteristics of the landslides at the Mittelland Canal, and to evaluate aspects of conditioning and preparatory factors, potential triggers and applied mitigation measures. The Mittelland Canal has been chosen because it is one of the most important artificial waterways in Europe, and the high number of landslides that occur there is unique. In particular, landslides at the Mittelland Canal were frequently reported in the first half of the 20 th century. The susceptibility to landslides is strongly influenced by material characteristics, as a large number of landslides is linked to sites where fine‐grained mudstone is abundant, which quickly decomposes under immersion in water or under dynamic stress. In addition, landslides can be linked to the creation of over‐steepened slopes. Construction works can also be considered another preparatory factor for landslides. In addition, some landslides in World War II appear to be connected to the blast of aerial bombings. Precipitation seems to play a minor role in triggering landslides. The applied mitigation measures were developed recently, marking the importance of the canal as a transportation route. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : Historical data have been used to analyse different aspects of post‐construction landslides at artificial waterways. From the temporal and spatial distribution, insights into susceptibility, potential triggers and applied mitigation measures could be gained.