Paper 7

SITE CHARACTERIZATION OF TAYTAY, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES RAINFALL

TRIGGERED SHALLOW LANDSLIDE

ABSTRACT

Throughout Palawan, almost all areas near hillsides or mountain slopes are threatened by
landslides caused by heavy rainfall during rainy and typhoon season, and soil physical
properties. Rainfall triggered landslides are part of a natural process of hill slope erosion that
can result in catastrophic loss of life and extensive property damage in mountainous, densely
populated areas. This paper presents the tragic loss of 6 lives in the Taytay, Palawan, Philippine
landslide attracted a lot of Philippine local and national media attention and with it a lot of
speculations and rumors as to what caused the slide after 3 days heavy rain and Tropical Storm
Ketsana Ondoy and Typhoon Parma Pepeng in 2009. This study revealed the hydrological
triggering mechanisms and rainfall thresholds of landslides in adjoining hills with permeable
organic clay soil and mudstone. Site investigation and characterization were conducted to inspect
the surface structures and to obtain geotechnical properties of slope materials. In the hill slope
with the impermeable mudstone, the hydraulic discontinuity beneath mudstone thin clay soil
layer causes a transient positive pressure head that generates a saturated storm flow. An analysis
of the relationship between the magnitude of rainfall and hill slope instability provides a rainfall
threshold for land sliding. The site specific combination of rainfall intensity and duration
incorporates geotechnical properties of hill slope materials and slope hydrological processes.

Keywords: Shallow Landslide, Slope Stability, Rainfall Triggered, Site Characterization.

INTRODUCTION
`
Climate research indicates that one can expect more extreme weather in the future,
leading to increased flooding, landslides, erosion, scour, rock falls and landslide [Hungre et al,
2000]. Landslides occur on any terrain given the right conditions of soil, moisture, and the angle
of slope. Integral to the natural process of the earth's surface geology, landslides serve to
redistribute soil and sediments in a process that can be in abrupt collapses or in slow gradual
[ Finn, 1987]. Soil slips is a way and a process that is associated with the phenomenon cause by
forces of nature its cause and effects. Most cut slopes and hill slopes is prone to landslides and
rock fall that will be hazardous to human and possible cause of the loss of life as well [Coromias,
and Moya, 1999].

Rainfall-triggered landslides are part of a natural process of hill slope erosion and are
affected by various factors such as rainfall characteristics, soil strength and hydraulic properties
that can result catastrophic loss of life and extensive property damage [Selby, 1982]. In this
research, investigate the relationships between landslides and these conditioning factors.
Rainfall is the most important factor, and the relationship between rainfall characteristics
and landside has been studied intensively [Iverson, 2000; Keefer et al, 1987, [Harp et al, 1990].

The landslide occurred on October 7, 2009 at around 12:05 p.m, had buried the one
story Rural Health Center Building and destroyed the water tank facility of the municipal
hall [Kwok, 2009]. The said investigation focused its attention on the Engineering aspects of
the overall investigation. It was necessary to understand what caused the landslide, and
how the landslide occurred [Daizo and Fugita, 20011]. Landslide area was examined, each
geomorphology of the landslide, scarp, topography, soil hydraulic properties and the
rainfall condition.

What are the other information that you can suggest? Any relevant information
that happened in the Philippines? Please cite more examples.

METHODOLOGY

With the data already collected on the Geology of the area and specifically the
orientations of the landslide, the researcher concentrated on the following objectives:

a. Gathering of the surface and subsurface data by conducting soil exploration in the slide zone
and the undisturbed area.
b. Gathering of intact soil sample
by manual soil auger and
classification of soil samples
using Unified Soil
Classification System (USCS).

c. Mapping of the slide zone

by topographical survey.
Figure 1. Landslide Site top
view.

The soil sample was taken every 5 meters interval all throughout the slide area by manual
soil auger having a depth of 1 meter. The sample was taken from the surface of the slide, half
meter and at 1 meter depth. The following soil test was performed to determine the soil
types and classification; Water content; Unit weight; Specific gravity; Liquid limit; Plastic
limit; Plasticity index; Permeability coefficients; Cohesion; Angle of internal friction and
other soil properties that was suspected as triggering mechanism of the slide.

Please take into consideration the punctuation marks and capitalization.

The methodology? What is the basis of the scientific procedure?
How many times did the author collect the samples?
At what climate condition? At what geological condition?

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The soil sample taken from the landslide site was stored and preserved in the
laboratory and subjected to series of test. (How many times did the author conduct the test?)

Table. 1 Landslide Soil Characteristics.

Soil Properties Values

Soil Types Organic Clayey soil
Soil Classifications OH
Water Content 62.73 %
Saturation. 35.40%
Unit Weight 18.39 kN/m
Void Ratio 0.29
Porosity 0.22
Plastic Limit 34.98 %
Liquid Limit 51.25%
Liquidity Index 1.71
Plasticity Index 16.26%
Fineness Modulus 4.2
Activity 9.20
Flow Index 18.88
Shrinkage Ratio 2.11
Shrinkage Index 14.69
 Shrinkage Limit 20.30%
Specific Gravity 1.87
Permeability Coefficient 0.01 m/second
Discharge Velocity 0.02 m/sec
Seepage Velocity 0.09 m/sec
Cohesion 27.5 kPa
Angle of Internal Friction 9.5 degrees

The table 1 reveals the soil properties subjected to various testing. The slide materials
were classified as OH or Organic Clays of medium to high plasticity based on Unified Soil
Classification System (USCS). The materials water content (w%) is 62.73%, the degree of
saturation ( S%) is 35.40 %, The unit weight () of 18.39 kN/m which classify as dense
materials .Materials Specific gravity (Sp.Gr) is 1.87 and its fineness modulus ( FM) of 4. 2
correlate to permeable soil type. Void ratio(e) and porosity (n) of 0.29 and 0.22 respectively
indicates that materials is potential for swelling and shrinkage that leads to fractured and
potential water flow preference.

The Potential swell and expansive test was performed such as Plastic Limit (PL) of 34.98
% indicates medium to high potential plasticity. The Liquid Limit (LL) of 51.25 % > 50 < 60
classified as medium potential swell and high potential plasticity). Liquidity Index (LI) of 1.71 >
1.0 indicates that materials has low strength, it deforms like a viscous fluid. Plasticity Index (PI)
of 16.26 > 10 <20 Reveals that materials has medium to high plasticity and medium potential
swelling.

Other materials indices were tested and the materials Activity (A) is 9.20 > 1.2 shows that
organic clayey soil is an active clay for swell potential. Shrinkage test such as Shrinkage Limit
(SL), Shrinkage Ratio (SR) and Shrinkage Index (SI) of 20.30, 2.11 and 14.69 respectively is an
evidence of Shrinkage potential. Hydraulic conductivity was tested using standard
permeability test, the permeability Coefficient (k) of 0.01 m/second, Discharge velocity (v) of
0.02 m/second and Seepage velocity (vs) of 0.09 m/second causes the water to flow along pores
and cracks due to saturation.

Unconfined Compression Test was conducted of the undisturbed sample shows that the
Unconfined Compressive Strength (qu) of 55 kPa and the Cohesion(c) of 27.5 kPa with an
internal angle of friction () of 9.5 degrees is an evident of triggering landside after heavy rains.
Strength potential of the slide materials was significantly affected due to layer
movements, changes in volume, swelling, crackings and expansion due to prolonged water
saturation. However, the presence of water at saturation levels clearly caused lubrication and
reduction of effective stresses at the joints and weakening of the organic clayey materials and
mudstones as to have contribution to the overall weakening of the slide [Morales et al., 2001].

Likewise soil indices affects and directly contributed to the potential swelling,
expansion, crackings and disintegration of soil particles due to water saturation that
easily water to flow freely along the pores and cracking that leads to slide.

Please provide more validated statements and results that were conducted by other
scientists.
Potential Expansion Test.

The organic clayey soil and mudstone materials was pulverized and tested based on the
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). All organic clayey soil and mudstone materials
classified as OH (Medium to High Plasticity).

The Liquid limit (LL) values (> 50%) and the plasticity indices (PI) (PL = LL- PL >20)
indicated that the materials is moderate to highly expansive soil that will be subjected to shrink
and swell.This contributed to the disturbance and movements in the upper layer joints from
shrinkage and expansion prior to slide after saturation [Morales et al, 2001].

What is the most accepted value or range of values so that the sample will pass the
potential expansion test? How is it relevant to the other parameters in the analysis?

Slope Geometry Determination

Slope geometry and topographical data was obtained using the Theodolite transit. The
actual survey was taken at the site area of the failure plane and the original hill slope. The
next figure (what Figure number) is presented.

The landslide highest elevation from the sea level is 138 meters. The total height of
the landslide from the toe to the peak of the landslide is 42.82 meters. The scarp height is
approximately 20 meters. The maximum slope of the landslide is 21.35 from the
horizontal toe up to the inclined plane failures, thus this slope triggered the landslide.

What is the importance of these values?

ROADCENTERLINE

92.00 M

80.00 M

50.00

45.00
42.82

40.00
38.42

35.00
33.3

30.00 29.60

25.84 38.00 M
25.00
23.50 M
21.28
20.00
17.96

15.00 14.41

11.13
10.00
6.01
5.13
5.00 5
AVERAGE NAT. GROUND SLOPE = 38/92 = 0.41

0.00
0.00 9.50 21.0 28.61 39.53 50.79 59.05 68.84 77.6 86.86 96.39 101.9
9.5000

PROFILE AT SECTION A-A

SCALE :
VERTICAL 2:1
HORIZONTAL 1: 1
 Figure 2. Topographical condition of the landslide.

Effects of Water Saturation on Strength.

The borehole samples were grouped and tested for immersion for three time settings of
24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. The Unconfined Compressive Strength qu (kg/cm) and its
water content (w %) is presented in Figures 3 and 4 for soil and mudstones.
Unconfned Compressive Strength (kg/cm)

50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00
Water Content (%)

Figure 3. Unconfined Compressive strength for Soil. qu vs water content of mudstone.

 Unconfned Compressive Strength (kg/cm)
100
90
80
f(x) = - 1.94x + 109.69
70 R = 0.95
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 45.00 50.00
Water Content,( %)

Figure 4. Unconfined Compressive strength for mudstone.

The trend lines in the figure above indicate the decrease in unconfined compressive
strength while the water content is increasing clearly evidence establishing that water saturation
could have an effect on the strength of soil( Morales et al,2001].

Landslide Hazard Assessment.

Based on Geohazard mapping conducted in the affected area and its immediate
vicinity together with anecdotal account of the local people, hereunder are the researcher
assessment;

How did the author conduct the hazard assessment? Any scientific framework? What is
the source? What is the validation mechanism?

1. Landslide in the area shows characteristics of slumping. It occurred at the cut slope
on the northwestern side of a moderate to steeply sloping ridge. The highest peak of the ridge
reaches 138 meters above sea level.

2. The landslide materials are composed of organic clayey soil, mudstone, and highly
weathered and clay altered rock. Highly weathered rock boulders were also noted in some
landslide materials. The crown of the main slump is arcuate, and the scarp height is roughly 20
meters with landslide extending up to 100 meters. The general direction of the slump is S 45 to
50 W.

3. Ground tension crack are still visible on the northwestern side of the main slump
near the head scarp. The cracks are about 1 to 2 meters from the edge of the landslide/ failed
slope.
 4. The triggering factor of the landslide is rain and causative factors are combination
of thick soil cover and highly weathered bedrock, organic clayey nature of soil and the alteration
of the original topography with removal of toe support at the base of the slope.

5. The Present slope face of the landslide is still highly prone to slope failures/
landslide. However, it was observed that landslide is progressive, meaning it becomes larger as
the height of the vertical cliff created by previous slope failure increases. Basically when rocks
are exposed by landslide, they are more susceptible to weathering processes which weaken the
inherent strength of the rock. This scenario had already been proven since the landslide started as
shallow failure along the unstable cut slope.

Landslide Risk Assessment.

How did the author assess landslide risk? What is the worst case scenario that might
happen?

1. High risk areas include (a) the directly affected sites of the slope failures, (b)
the northwestern side of the landslide area where ground tension cracks were observed,
and (c) the upper slopes of the landslide area. Nearby houses are situated on the
northwestern side of the landslide area while the Migrants building is very much proximal
to the area of landslide run out. High risk areas are those with imminent danger to
landslide and therefore should be permanently cleared from any residential structures as
well as human activity.

2. Moderate risk areas are farther downslopes from the northwestern slope of the ridge
where the municipal building is located and along the slopes on the other side of the landslide
area where the nearby houses is situated.

3. Landslide is normally induced by the effects of groundwater or thin layer of surface

water infiltrating the cracks on the ground during rains. Water induces hydraulics pressure on the
slope.

Strength Degradation of Soil.

The results of the laboratory tests on the organic clayey soil and mudstone in the slide
areas evidently and potentially expansive nature of the mudstone as evidenced by:

1. Disintegration of the core samples when subjected to immersion after cooling from
oven drying indicates susceptibility to degradation due to drying and saturation effects.

2. Significant strength degradation due to swelling and volumes changes of mudstone

samples subjected to varying periods of water immersion for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours
respectively.

Shrinkage crackings and expansion due to prolonged water saturation could have
affected the in place strength characteristics and also have a contribution to the initiation
of the landslide.

Please explain this further.

Climatic Effects and Rainfall intensity

The unusually wet weather and unpredictable abnormal high rainfall intensity occurred in
the months before the landslide. This was preceded by the tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon
Pepeng.
Rainfall intensity Data
August 25 to October 14 2009
800
daily rainfall (mm)

600
400
200
0
25-Aug 4-Sep 14-Sep 24-Sep 4-Oct 14-Oct
Date

Figure 5. Rainfall Chart Preceding the landslide Event.

The Figure above reveals that the rainfall intensity of more or less 600 mm a day
before the landslide triggered the landslide due to massive and prolonged water saturation.

Any validation about the results?

Consideration of Preferential Flow Pathways within Subsurface Layers

Preferential flow pathways within soil layer generally hasten rainwater infiltration and
make a slope more stable. However, researcher have consistently shown that the clogging of
preferential flow pathways decreases slope stability and may triggered landslide [ Pierson, 1983;
Unchida et al., 1995].

Other studies have confirmed the effects of preferential flow within the soil layer on
rainwater infiltration and slope stability using experimental data [Tsutsumi et al., 2005].
Preferential flow through fractures in bedrock has similar function to that in a soil
layer. In this situation, it is possible that a rapid rainwater transportation through the
fractures in the weathered clayey -altered rock quickly produced pore water pressure at the
bottom of the weathered rock layer, causing landslide without any delay after the time peak
rainfall [Sidle and Chigira, 2004].

What if its not a preferential flow? Are there any appropriate strategies?

CONCLUSIONS

In the long week intensive heavy rainfall from September 26 to October 6 immediately
preceding the landslide of October 7, 2009 at 12:05 p.m, record rainfall intensity levels were
experienced with the highest level of 587 mm occurring on October 6, 2009. With this data,
development of hydrostatic pore pressure was possible.

The spring was intermittently observed and continuous surface stream by the landslide
movement can add water to the ground water in the slide area. Prolonged water saturation and
subsequent pore pressure buildup was the final caused that triggered landslide.

The shrinkage caused by extremely dry weather induced cracking on the organic clay
infilling of the joints, thus, further weakening the strength of the intensely jointed mudstone
causing soil and rock layered movement.

The extremely heavy rainfall in turn induced the injection of water into the cracks and
joints causing increase seepage and infiltration; increased water pressure induced swelling and
expansion of mudstone and organic clayey soil; and increased saturation induced weakening of
the mudstone.

The heavy rainfall in the area immediately preceding the Landslide event had contributed
a critical part in the initiation of the slide. In fact, many other minor soil slip were triggered days
before the Ibangli landslide because of the heavy rainfall. Thus, this clearly indicates the critical
role of water saturation and buildup of pore pressures on the slide (Morales et al, 2001).

The soil properties was obtained in the laboratory test the following findings comprised
the following;

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The actual site of the landslide needs to be further verified in addition to the
limited boring test.

2. Further exploration of the nearby areas of the landslide is needed to characterize

and prevent future slope failure.
 3. As part of the disaster risk reduction and preparedness in the area, the houses
within the high risk areas should be relocated.

4. Continuous monitoring of the landslide areas should be conducted to observe all

indications of landslide such as the occurrence of crack on the upper slopes of the landslide areas
and the presence of spring or water on the base of the slope. In case all indications of landslide
are observed, all the people staying within the moderate risk areas should leave the place or
prepare for possible evacuation.

5. The local residents should religiously observe the conditions of the affected
ground and should be alert on the presence of major cracks and slumps/landslide elsewhere. In
case cracks appear on higher ground near the community settlement, residents should
temporarily leave the area and report the situation to the Municipal disaster coordinating counsel.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

This paper implies that the local government units, the government agencies, the disaster
and risk reduction offices should be aware and coordinate with the local and the researchers in
making policy towards geohazards and reconsider the situations of the areas vulnerability .

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