Predicting landslide sliding distance based on energy dissipation and mass point kinematics

Based on classical mechanics and the law of energy conservation, we present a model for predicting landslide sliding distance. We conceptualize landslide movement as the movement of a mass point and divide the sliding surface into two sections—an upper sliding surface where the slip is accelerating, and a lower section where deceleration occurs. Energy dissipation and landslide deformation during the sliding process are also considered as we constructed a coefficient of energy dissipation η and a factor of length ratio. Furthermore, different types of landslides which correspond to the energy dissipation coefficient η and L ratio are explored. The established sliding distance prediction model is verified using two cases—the Chonghetang landslide and the Zaoshugou #2 landslide, both in Lanzhou, China. The sliding surface parameters are derived using Bishop’s method. The predicted landslide distances are quite close to the field measurements (error levels are 1.9% for the Chonghetang landslide and − 6.6% for the Zaoshugou #2 landslide). We conclude that our model provides an easy and widely applicable method for predicting loess landslide sliding distance.