The main objective of this work is to present the results of numerical simulations of the landslide triggered by small excavation. In south-eastern Poland in 2019, during excavation for a gas pipeline (relatively small – maximal depth 2.7 m), a landslide was observed. Length of the landslide was about 80 m, width about 50 m, maximal depth 6.5 m. Excavation was partially buried. Observed cracks of the terrain surface were wide, up to 0.8 m. Stability of the landslide was analyzed using the proportional reduction of the soil strength parameters (c-fi reduction) algorithm with the use of ZSoil.PC Finite Element Method (FEM) system. Stability analysis of the slope before and after excavation was performed, together with analysis of the tendency of the landslide to propagate upwards. The obtained stability loss modes were compared with the results of the field observations and a good correlation was noticed. Hypothesis that a landslide was triggered by small excavation was proved (although reasonable margin of safety was obtained for state before excavation, stability factor SF = 1•60). Use of residual soil strength parameters (instead of peak ones) and activation of cut-off (no tension) condition are advised. Presented methodology is open and can be used in engineering practice.

This paper presents the results of laboratory testing and Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling of high-strength double-twisted steel hexagonal wire mesh used for constructing gabion cages, slope protection systems, rockfall protection barriers. Gabion cages, filled with soil (usually rock particles) are commonly used in civil engineering (for example, in order to form a retaining wall). Static tensile tests of single wire and double-twisted wire were performed. The stiffness and ultimate tensile strength were examined. Special attention was paid to the double-twist behaviour. The unloading tests were also performed and the range of elastic deformation of both single wire and double-twisted wire were determined. The obtained laboratory results (stress–strain relationships for single wire and double-twisted wire) were included in a numerical model of the repeatable cell of mesh (truss model). The simulation in both directions, parallel and perpendicular to the double twist, was performed. On the basis of the obtained load-strain relationship, an anisotropic membrane model for mesh was proposed and calibrated. The obtained value of tensile strength of the mesh (266 kN/m) is much higher than for other meshes known form literature (30–60 kN/m).