Determination of the main sliding direction of space rock landslide

Determining the main sliding direction is not only an important content in researches but also a significant basis for the stability analysis and treatment design. It depends on the landslide landform and the displacement vector at present. The main sliding direction and chief sliding profile of a landslide in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River were determined from landslide landform. Displacement situation of the landslide was monitored by arranging displacement monitoring points on the chief sliding profile. The results showed that the displacement direction was different from the main sliding direction determined from landslide landform. Through comprehensive analysis of the landslide formation and mechanism, it is found that the landslide was constituted by spacial wedges with the two sliding planes, whose main sliding direction is the line of interaction. With the scouring of the Yellow River, the frontal part of the landslide is retreated continuously and the formation of ridge-like, which caused the deviation. The determination of the main sliding direction of space rock landslides more reasonably needs comprehensive analysis of landslide landform and mechanism.