A novel simulator for probing water infiltration in rain-triggered landslides

Abstract

This study presents a specially designed dripping rainfall simulator, functional in both laboratory and field settings, developed to research water infiltration processes relevant to landslide studies. The simulator incorporates several advanced features, including adjustable rainfall parameters and precise monitoring and measurement capabilities for a range of experimental setups. The system’s calibration was achieved by measuring the volume of water over a set period, correlating it with the rainfall intensity. Experiments were conducted on a slope surface for up to five hours at a constant rainfall intensity. During this time, 3D electrical resistivity measurements were taken to assess the influence of rainfall on resistivity data, offering insights into the subsurface dynamics of water infiltration. The findings suggest that the combination of dripping rainfall simulation and 3D electrical resistivity analysis holds promise for advancing landslide risk reduction research. This paper provides an in-depth overview of the simulator’s design, functionality, and performance, emphasising its applicability for comprehensive landslide investigations.