Numerical simulation of a landslide at the Dr2 rock slope, Suofengying hydropower station, China, using the DSEM

Evaluating the failure mechanisms and spatial impact of steep rock slopes is critical for ensuring the safety of engineering projects. A novel coupled numerical framework integrating the finite element method (FEM) with the deformable spheropolygon-based discrete element method (DSEM) to predict landslide kinematics is introduced. Within this hybrid model, the DSEM is utilized to capture the dynamic interactions among sliding blocks as well as their collisions with the underlying bedrock, while the deformational behavior of the bedrock itself is computed by the FEM. After validating the reliability of this coupled approach by simulating the progressive collapse of a generic slope, the proposed technique is applied to model the complete runaway dynamics of the Dr2 rock slope at the Suofengying hydropower station under various instability scenarios. The computational findings reveal that this specific landslide is characterized by a rapid destabilization phase, elevated sliding velocities, and a forceful cross-river impact.