The purpose of this list is to provide a summary of slope stability guidance documents available internationally and in New Zealand to support the development of a NZ based slope stability guidance document with some emphasis on seismic slope stability. It started as a table presented by Wang et al (see below) and then built on by J Scott.
Presence on this table does not imply endorsement of the content. If you have any recommendations for additions or removal, please use the contact page.
Version control
Version 1.7 References re-order into categories: (1) International Guidelines general (mostly planning and land use focussed (2) Useful web links (3) Post event landslide guidelines (4) NZ Landslide Landuse and historic guidelines including all hazards (5) NZ Project reports (6) Seismic Design Guidelines and papers (7) Earthquake scenarios (8) NZ Landslide case studies (media links) (9) Slope Stability Software papers (10) Landslide risk assessment guidelines (11) Climate Change and landslides (12) Geotechnical Reports and Landslides (13) Landslides and the NZ Building Code (14) Seismic Hazard (PGA) NZ (15) International Landslide Strategy and Action Plan documents (16) Guide for Home Owners (17) 6 September 2021 (J Scott)
Version 1.8 – Updated to include recently released publications and web links (J Scott)
Version 1.9 – further links added 4 March 2024 (J Scott)
Version 2.0 – Reformatted for website and new documents added. 15 Jan 2025 (R Roberts).
Version 2.1 – Soft engineering section added, NZ native plant research materials added. 27 May 2025 (R Roberts).
Contents
- Websites and videos
- Guides for homeowners
- Key guidelines
- Key papers
- International guidelines
- Emergency response and post-event recovery
- NZ landslide and land use guidelines
- Landslide risk assessment
- Climate change and landslides
- International landslide strategies and communications
- NZ Seismic Hazard
- EQ scenarios and landslides
- Seismic Design Guidelines and Papers
- Landslides, law and the Building Act(s)/Codes
- Slope stability design guidance
- Soft engineering stabilisation
- Geotechnical report writing guides
- NZ case studies and project reports
Websites and vidoes
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Alpine Fault Magnitude 8 | https://af8.org.nz/ | AF8 [Alpine Fault magnitude 8] is an award-winning programme of scientific modelling, coordinated response planning, and community engagement, designed to build resilience to the next Alpine Fault earthquake. | |
| International | The Landslide Blog | Developed and maintained by Dave Petley | https://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/ | Very useful resource on landslide information, including links to documents, videos of landslides etc |
| International | ThinkHazard! Website | https://thinkhazard.org/en/ | A nice website developed by Arup covering numerous hazards internationally – it seems to be too coarse for use in NZ as the regions cover both steep and flat land and ignore local geological weaknesses eg: like Auckland’s Southern Landslide belt for example. | |
| International | SafeLand deliverable 4.1, 2010. Review of Techniques for Landslide Detection, Fast Characterization, Rapid Mapping and Long-Term Monitoring. | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272942462_SafeLand_deliverable_41_2010_Review_of_Techniques_for_Landslide_Detection_Fast_Characterization_Rapid_Mapping_and_Long-Term_Monitoring_Edited_for_the_SafeLand_European_project_by_Michoud_C_Abellan_A_D The Safeland project has produced numerous land stability related deliverables available via this link – only a small selection has been looked at – they look very high quality and worth close study. https://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2016/12/27/safeland-project-reports-2/ | Very large document reviewing remote sensing techniques for landslide assessment “SafeLand will develop generic quantitative risk assessment and management tools and strategies for landslides at local, regional, European and societal scales and establish the baseline for the risk associated with landslides in Europe, to improve our ability to forecast landslide hazard and detect hazard and risk zones.” | |
| Canada | Glossop Lecture of Building Slope Process Models considering engineering geology | Hutchinson (2021) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXm5zNcceDw | Youtube video of 2021 Glossop Lecture. State of the art discussion on remote monitoring tools to manage landslide hazards. Some fantastic graphics. |
| Landslides Mitigation in Shelter and Settlements – Technical Guidelines | Humanitarian Library | Landslides Mitigation in Shelter and Settlements – Technical Guidelines | Humanitarian Library | This collection contains technical guidelines and recommendations to design Shelter and Settlement interventions in landslides prone areas. These documents are sourced from a number of countries. | |
| Switzerland | Landslide Hazard mapping and Land use Planning | OFAT et all (2007) | (PDF) Landslide risk management in Switzerland (researchgate.net) | This link appears to be to a later paper in English – the orignal document may have been in French. “Six percent of Switzerland is prone to slope instability. New federal regulations require regional authorities (cantons) to generate natural hazard maps and the zoning of mass movements in order to restrict development on hazard-prone land. The Codes of Practice for hazard maps use red, blue and yellow respectively, to indicate areas of prohibited construction, construction with safety requirements and construction without restriction. They need considerable efforts to ensure communication with local populations. The present state of landslide hazard mapping in the 26 cantons, the transcription of hazard maps to local management plans and the corresponding rules are presented.” |
| UK | Landslides in Peat | Scottish Executive (2006) | Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessments: Best Practice Guide for Proposed Electricity Generation Developments (www.gov.scot) | Probably not a big problem in NZ but useful to know about. Appears to be a more recent version 2017. |
| USA California | (CGS, 2008) Special Publication 117a, Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in CA | SMGB (2008) | https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Program-SHP/SP_117a.pdf There seems to be some error with this link for some reason – the US web site seems to be down or no longer exists. A copy with be placed on the NZGS library web site. | Excellent document. |
| USA | OAS Natural Hazards Website | OAS (1991) | http://www.oas.org/dsd/publications/unit/oea66e/begin.htm#Contents | Includes many chapters of good discussion on natural hazards and management. Chap 10 focusses on landslide hazards. Covers most natural hazards and has a great list of references. |
| USA | Landslide Loss reduction A Guide for State and local Government {planning | FEMA (1989) | https://nehrpsearch.nist.gov/static/files/FEMA/PB2008108255.pdf | Use historical information on landslides in the USA including useful statistics. |
| USA | Landslide Investigation and Mitigation | TRB (1996) | http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/sr/sr247/sr247.pdf | A big but seminal book on landslides. Surprisingly it is freely available online but it is a big download. The 25 chapters can be downloaded individually by changing the subscript from -001 to -025 see the link below. No contents or title page for this option unfortunately. sr247-003.pdf (trb.org) |
| USA | Landslides and Planning | Schwab et al (2005) | Landslide Hazards and Planning | Excellent document – targeted at US planners, has great photographs and good planning guidance. This needs to be purchased but costs US$25 for the download (185 pages) – good value. |
| USA | The landslide Handbook A Guide to Understanding Landslides | USGS Highland et al (2008) | https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1325/ | Excellent detailed document with great graphics and photos. |
| Landslide Guidelines and Best Practices for Engineers Professional Engineers and Geoscientists | Bobrowsky et all (2014) CGS | https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Bobrowsky/publication/275963758_Landslide_Guidelines_and_Best_Practices_for_Professional_Engineers_and_Geoscientists/links/554be7320cf29752ee7ebd36/Landslide-Guidelines-and-Best-Practices-for-Professional-Engineers-and-Geoscientists.pdf?origin=publication_detail | A high level discussion document as to a Canadian GS work programme on landslide risk reduction. Has a number of links | |
| USA | Socio-economic and environmental impacts of landslides in the Western Hemisphere | Schuster et al (2001) | https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2001/0276/report.pdf | |
| USA | Landslide Loss Reduction: A Guide for State and Local government | Wold & Jochin (1989) | SP-33 Landslide Loss Reduction: A Guide for State and Local Government Planning – Colorado Geological Survey | This is a free download but you need to input your email create a password and put in a US/Canada address and post code |
| USA | National Landslide Hazards Mitigation Strategy – A framework for Loss reduction | USGS (2003) | U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1244 (usgs.gov) | Excellent document – good examples and photos plus a good summary of the state of play in the US. This circular outlines the key elements of a comprehensive and effective national strategy for reducing losses from landslides nationwide and provides an assessment of the status, needs, and associated costs of this strategy. |
| USA | Landslide Mitigation Strategies | FEMA | Landslide Mitigation Strategies (state.mn.us) | High level document – includes useful web links |
| USA San Francisco | Relative Slope Stability and Land-use Planning – Selected examples from the San Franscisco Area (1979) | Nilsen et al (1979) USGS | https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0944/report.pdf | While this is a little old s has some great photographs and sketches of failures. Has some great relative slope stability map examples. Table 7 on Page 59 also looks useful. |
| USA/Oregon | Preparing for Landslide Hazards – Land Use Guide for Oregon Communities | OG (2019) | https://www.oregongeology.org/Landslide/Landslide_Hazards_Land_Use_Guide_2019.pdf | Very good document with a planning focus and a good discussion on how hazard maps can be used to inform land use plus good practice in land use code development. |
| Japan | Guide to disaster management measures in Japan | Govt of Japan Brochure | http://www.bousai.go.jp/kaigirep/catalog/pdf/Guide_to_Japanese_tech_EN.pdf | Overview document but with some good ideas and graphics about how Japan plans for and manages natural hazards |
| Norway | Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment Chap | UNISDR 2017 | hazard-04.pages (unisdr.org) | A brief document but has some useful web links and references. |
| Norway | Landslide Risk Management in Norway | 2016 | Landslide_risk_management_in_Norway.pdf | Very good paper and a good discussion on climate change initiatives and has some great case studies. |
| Nepal | Guideline and Landslide Treatment and Mitigation | Dept of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management (DSCWM)(2016) | guideline_on_landslide_treatment_and_mitigation.pdf (d2ouvy59p0dg6k.cloudfront.net) | Some good examples of simple mitigation options for mitigating slope instability in 3rd world countries |
Guides for homeowners
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| International | Home Owner’s guide to landslides – recognition prevention control and mitigation | FEMA | Homeowner’s Guide to Landslides: Recognition, Prevention, Control, and Mitigation (humanitarianlibrary.org) | Really practical guidelines for homeowner on how to monitor house and properties and mitigate the likelihood of a landslide before and after building, including a quick guide to assess landslide potential. |
| Canada | Landslide Information for Homeowners and Home Buyers | https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/preparedbc/preparedbc-guides/preparedbc_landslide_info_for_homeowners_and_home_buyers.pdf | ||
| The Landslide Handbook—A Guide to Understanding Landslides | Highland L et al (2008) | https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1325/ | This handbook is intended to be a resource for people affected by landslides to acquire further knowledge, especially about the conditions that are unique to their neighborhoods and communities. Considerable literature and research are available concerning landslides, but unfortunately little of it is synthesized and integrated to address the geographically unique geologic and climatic conditions around the globe. Landslides occur throughout the world, under all climatic conditions and terrains, cost billions in monetary losses, and are responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Often, they cause long-term economic disruption, population displacement, and negative effects on the natural environment. | |
| Australia | LR8 – Construction Practice Graphic and brochure | AGS (2007) | https://landsliderisk.org/resources/guidelines/ LR8 is available via this web page | LR8 – Very good brochure and graphics of good and bad hillside development practice. This web site contains a host of other very useful documents eg LR5 (drainage) and LR (retaining walls) |
| Malaysia | Guidelines for Slope Maintenance for Public | Malaysia (2006) | Slide 1 (mpaj.gov.my) | Geared for the non-expert |
| HK | Layman’s Guide to Slope Maintenance | GEO (2013) | https://www.cedd.gov.hk/filemanager/eng/content_439/elg_slope_maint.pdf | Some nice graphics and photos in the HK setting |
| Puerto Rico | Landslide Guide for Residents of Puerto Rico | USGS (2020) | https://hazards.colorado.edu/uploads/documents/PuertoRico_LandslideGuide_2020.pdf | A brochure style with a focus on post event response and provides good checklists on signs of imminent slope failure. |
| US | A Homeowner’s Guide to Landslides – for Washington and Oregon | ODM&G | https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/ger_homeowners_guide_landslides.pdf | Very useful graphic pamphlet for home owners |
| NZ | Advice to Prospective House and Section Owners | NZGS (1980) 3rd Edition Prepared for EQC. | Copy has been digitised and is available on request | This booklet is very old but still very applicable – it could do with a refresh and NZGS are considering this as at 3/2024. “This booklet sets out to present, in a straightforward fashion, the underlying principles of foundation engineering which should be considered in relation to houses. In it are listed points which should be considered – by the prospective home owner, the builder or architect – during the planning stages. Many of the principles involved – based largely on commonsense and experience – will be familiar to the reader of this booklet.” |
Key guidelines
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Slope stability Guidance – Unit 1 | NZ Geotechnical Society | https://www.nzgs.org/libraries/slope-stability-unit-1/ | Unit 1 provides overview recommendations on Slope Movement Types and Processes, Landslide Recognition and Identification, Landslide Investigation Methods, The Engineering Geological Model, Risk Assessment, Slope Stability Modelling, Rockfall, Debris Flow, Mitigation and Design Principles and Emergency Response. |
| NZ | Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering Module 1 – Overview of the guidelines | MBIE / NZ Geotechnical Society | https://www.nzgs.org/libraries/earthquake-geotechnical-engineering-module-1-overview-of-the-guidelines/ | Module 1 introduces the subject of earthquake geotechnical engineering, provides context within the building regulatory framework, and provides guidance for estimating ground motion parameters for geotechnical design. |
Key papers
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| International | Keynote lecture-Geotechnical engineering of the stability of natural slopes, and cuts and fills in soil | Fell et al (2000) | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267403410_Keynote_lecture-Geotechnical_engineering_of_the_stability_of_natural_slopes_and_cuts_and_fills_in_soil?enrichId=rgreq-20c3e0181adfe6f6f185fd254efa9e2e-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzI2NzQwMzQxMDtBUzozMjQ1MTk1Nzc3NTE1NTJAMTQ1NDM4MjkwNDA3Nw%3D%3D&el=1_x_3&_esc=publicationCoverPdf | Great document on the state of the art in slope stability as at 2000 including a good discussion in Section 6.2 on Factors of Safety |
| International | Stability of Natural Slopes | R Peck 1967 Journal of Soil Mechanics and Foundations | https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0000998 | Copy needs to be purchased – many lessons still apply today . |
| NZ | New Zealand’s National Landslide Database | Rosser et al (2017) | https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10346-017-0843-6.pdf | This is a paper describing GNS landslide database. |
International guidelines – general (many planning focussed)
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| Australia | Landslide Zoning and other guidelines | AGS (2000,2007a,b) | Guidelines for landslide susceptibility, hazard and risk zoning for land use planning (uow.edu.au) https://landsliderisk.org/resources/guidelines/ | State of the art land use and risk assessment guidelines. |
| Australia | Landslide Risk Management | AGS (2000,2007c,d) | Guidelines – Landslide Risk Management | Australian Geotechnical Society web link to all their guidelines. Numerous documents on this web link. |
| Australia | General Guide for Understanding Landslides | AGS (2007e) | Guidelines – Landslide Risk Management Numerous documents on this web link. https://landsliderisk.org/resources/guidelines/ | State of the art land use and risk assessment guidelines. This link has many useful guidance documents including LR8 Good construction Practice in Hillside Development |
| Canada BC | Guidelines for Legislated Landslide Assessments for proposed Residential Development | APEGBC (2010) | Microsoft Word – DOCS-#61737-v7-Guidelines_for__Legislated_Landslide_Assessments_for__Proposed_Residential_Development_in__Brit (egbc.ca) | Figure 4.1 looks useful. This document (1) provides guidelines of professional practice for a Professional Engineer and Professional Geoscientist who carries out a landslide analysis for a proposed residential development [in Canada], and (2) provides guidance to the professional as to how to relate the results of the analysis to a level of landslide safety for residential development when required by (Canadian) provincial legislation. These guidelines address typical project organization and responsibilities of the various stakeholders; professional practices that should typically be provided; quality assurance/quality control; and professional registration and education, training and experience. |
| Canada BC | Review of Existing Landslide Guidelines (around the world) | GSC (2012) | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265103865_Review_of_existing_landslide_guidelines_National_technical_guidelines_and_best_practices_on_landslides | Good summary report from which this literature search table was built from. |
| Canada BC | Landslide Risk evaluation | GSC (2013) | https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2013/rncan-nrcan/M183-2-7312-eng.pdf | This document focuses on general principles and approaches of evaluating different measures of landslide risk. The attention is on the evaluation of landslide risk associated with existing and proposed residential development, because it is here that national guidelines can prove most beneficial. This document includes a review of Canadian regulatory documents including a discussion of Factors of Safety. |
| Canada | Examples of common landslide types in Canada | GSC (2015) Hungr et al | https://ftp.maps.canada.ca/pub/nrcan_rncan/publications/STPublications_PublicationsST/296/296666/of_7897.pdf | Part of a series of publications on landslide loss reduction put out by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) – see below for several others. Some of the loss reduction papers seem hard to find. This is a link to their search engine. https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/starweb/geoscan/servlet.starweb |
| Canada | Socio-Economic Significance (of Landslides) | GSC Guthrie (2013) | https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2013/rncan-nrcan/M183-2-7311-eng.pdf | This contribution first discusses landslides in the context of geological hazards, followed by the socio-economic significance of landslides worldwide. It then presents the socio-economic significance of landslides in Canada by physiographic region and by industry sector, and finally summarizes 56 notable landslides that have occurred between 1841 and 2012. It looks at both direct and indirect costs. And includes data on landslide fatalities around the world |
| Canada BC | Guidelines for Professional Services in the Forestry Sector – Terrain Stability Assessments | APEGBC (2009) | Microsoft Word – DOCS-#73233-v2-Guidelines_for_Professional_Services_in_the_Forest_Sector_Terrain_Stability_Assessments (egbc.ca) | Quite a useful high level checklist of issues for stability assessments – roles, experience qualifications etc. |
| Canada BC | Management of Landslide Prone Terrain | Chatwin et al. (1994) | Lmh18.pdf (gov.bc.ca) | While quite old, this is a useful document with good photographs and sketches with a very good description of geological processes |
| Canada BC | Identification, Maps and Mapping – Canadian Technical Guidelines and Best Practices related to Landslides – a national initiative for loss reduction | Jackson et al (2012) | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278668618_IDENTIFICATION_MAPS_AND_MAPPING_Canadian_Technical_Guidelines_and_Best_Practices_related_to_Landslides_a_national_initiative_for_loss_reduction–Authors_LE_Jackson_Jr_Peter_T_Boborowsky_Ahren_Bichler https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/nr-laws-policy/risc/terrain_stability_mapping_in_bc_a_review_and_suggested_methods_for_landslide_hazard_and_risk_mapping_-_final_draft.pdf | Part of the Canadian Technical Guidelines and Best Practices related to Landslides: a national initiative for loss reduction. This paper focuses on landslide identification, map elements, type of landslide maps and mapping methods primarily for landslide practitioners. General suggestions are provided where necessary. A practical form for the field description and its impact is also briefly discussed. It has a useful discussion on choosing the map type to address the particular planning issue in mind. |
| Canada | Landslide Terminology Canada 2014 General link to Canadian landslide documents | https://ftp.maps.canada.ca/pub/nrcan_rncan/publications/STPublications_PublicationsST/293/293940/of_7623.pdf https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/starweb/geoscan/servlet.starweb?path=geoscan/shorte.web&search1=REPNO=6765;7623;7359;7311;7058;6981;6996;7059;7312 | The purpose of this glossary of landslide terms is to provide a useful compendium of terms used by the landslide community in Canada and elsewhere as well as to encourage a common language of communication by all those involved in landslide studies around the world. | |
| Canada Ottawa | GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND REPORTING GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS IN THE CITY OF OTTAW | Ottowa State (2007) | https://app06.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2008/02-12/ACS2008-PTE-PLA-0002.htm | Quite a nice document covering all aspects of slope stability for development applications in Ottawa – the web link provided doesn’t include the Figures referred to in the text. |
| Canada | SITE INVESTIGATION, ANALYSIS, MONITORING AND TREATMENT Canadian Technical Guidelines and Best Practices related to Landslides: a national initiative for loss reduction | Geological Survey of Canada (2016) | https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marc-Andre-Brideau/publication/308765003_Canadian_Technical_Guidelines_and_Best_Practices_Related_to_Landslides_Site_Investigation_Analysis_Monitoring_and_Treatment/links/583ed35c08ae8e63e617eeaf/Canadian-Technical-Guidelines-and-Best-Practices-Related-to-Landslides-Site-Investigation-Analysis-Monitoring-and-Treatment.pdf | The purpose of this contribution is to present a “what to do” and not “how to do” discussion regarding the investigation, analysis, monitoring and treatment of landslides. It presents, in general terms, what to consider when planning and carrying out site investigations, when selecting appropriate methods to analyze slopes for stability, when designing and implementing a monitoring program, and when planning and designing the treatment of an existing or potential landslide. |
| China/HK | Natural Terrain Landslides | GEO (2016) | GEO Report No. 138 (2nd Edition) (cedd.gov.hk) | Very good discussion on the landslide issues in Hong Kong and has a number if interesting case studies including mitigation works. |
| China/HK | Risk Criteria for Landslides | GEO | GEO Report No. 75 (cedd.gov.hk) | A very good state of the art document , and while a little old now, is still relevant today. It underpinned a lot of subsequent work including the AGS 2007 documents. |
| China/HK | Geotechnical Manual for Slopes | GEO (2011) | Geotechnical Manual for Slopes (cedd.gov.hk) | A seminal document but naturally with a Hong Kong focus.. |
| China/HK | Landslide Debris Resisting Barrier Design | GEO (2004) | GEO Report No. 182 (cedd.gov.hk) | Has a useful set of off the shelf structure designs for debris barriers plus tables and where these should be applied. |
| China/HK | Guide to Slope Maintenance | GEO (2003) | Geoguide 5 (cedd.gov.hk) | This Geoguide presents a recommended standard of good practice for the maintenance of man-made slopes and retaining walls [in Hong Kong], disturbed terrain features and natural terrain hazard mitigation measures. It is aimed primarily at the engineering profession, but it will be of use to other parties concerned with slopes and retaining walls maintenance. |
| Europe | Living with ground instability and Landslides – An International Good Practice Guide. | McInnes et al (2014) | (PDF) Living with Ground Instability and Landslides: an International Good Practice Guide (researchgate.net) | Excellent document with examples from all around the world and a long list of references and web links (Page 78). Extract from intro follows: “There is little doubt amongst both academics and practitioners that the impact of slope instability and landslides is likely to increase in the future as development and infrastructure encroach onto marginally stable slopes. Future policy should be more collaborative allowing governments, academics and industry to help build more resilient policies for future generations. In order to mitigate the increasing risk it will be necessary to implement appropriate planning and development controls, and to ensure high standards of slope engineering and protection measures. Good examples of the practice of all of these approaches and some notable successes, are presented in this guide.” |
| Germany | Disaster Risk Management | Kohler et al (2004) | untitled (preventionweb.net) | High level document of the process behind disaster risk management and mitigation. Some good graphics. |
| India | Management of Landslides and snow avalanches | India (2009) | Management_of_landslides_and_snow_avalanches_National_disaster_management_guidelines_NDMA_2009.pdf (indiawaterportal.org) | |
| International | Landslides: Global Risk Preparedness | Sassa et al (2012) | https://books.google.co.nz/books/about/Landslides_Global_Risk_Preparedness.html?id=PrNotn7K3mIC&redir_esc=y https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783642220869 | Needs to be purchased. This document is often referenced but hasn’t been sighted. This book presents the global landslide risk preparedness implemented through the International Programme on Landslides (IPL) |
| UK | Natural slopes and landslides – condition, assessment, and mitigation (C810) | CIRIA (2023) | https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/ciria-publishes-new-guide-on-natural-slopes-and-landslides-26-10-2023/ https://www.ciria.org/ci/iCore/Store/StoreLayouts/Item_Detail.aspx?iProductCode=C810&Category=BOOK | This document needs to be purchased, not sighted. “It intends to provide asset owners, consultants and contractors with information on the condition of natural slopes, which can be used to manage the risks that they pose. It also outlines how natural slopes can be assessed and what mitigation measures can be applied to them.” |
| International | Landslide Zoning | JTC-1 (2008) | Can’t seem to find this reference in line – Refer Australian AGS (2007) guidelines above as this document is understood to have be developed at the same time as the JCT-1 document and ideas were interchanged between the two. | |
| International | Illustated landslide handbook for developing nations | Highland et al | (PDF) An Illustrated Landslide Handbook for Developing Nations (researchgate.net) | |
| International | Chap 10 Landslide Hazard Assessment Department of Regional Development and Environment (DRDE) | OAS Web link | http://www.oas.org/dsd/publications/unit/oea66e/ch10.htm | Excellent and detailed web portal with a lot of information on hazard management Can skip through Chapters – Chapter 10 focuses on Landslides but other hazards covered as well in other chapters. This web primer has been prepared as reference document for practitioners in the field, to guide integrated development planning teams in Latin America and the Caribbean in the use of natural hazard information during the different stages of the planning process. |
| Europe | Lessons Learnt from Landslide Disasters in Europe | Edited by Hervas (2003) | https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ESDB_Archive/eusoils_docs/other/eur20558EN.pdf | Some great case studies of events throughout Europe and high level summary around lessons learnt ie better land use planning before and emergency response after the event. |
| Africa | Landslides in Equatorial Africa | AfReSlide (2018) | https://www.preventionweb.net/files/69684_69684mertensetal.2018unknownlandsli.pdf | This manual is intended for policy makers in the Global South (of Africa) that are interested in landslide risk and their impacts. |
| International | Strengthening Resilience to Geohazards in Transport – Outputs and Guidance Notes | https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/zh/536711527089370922/pdf/126508-WP-P160578-PUBLIC-Nepal-v17-SP.pdf | Is high level and has an Asean 3rd Country focus. Some nice graphics. | |
| International | Kyoto 2020 Commitment for Global Promotion Understanding and reducing Landslide Disaster Risk | Workshop in Nepal 207 | https://wlf5.iplhq.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/00.-Kyoto-Landslide-Commitment-2020-2019.9.11-Final.pdf | A recent find. Important from a NZ Government perspective as NZ has signed up to this protocol. |
Emergency response and post event guidelines
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Rapid post disaster field guide geotechnical | MBIE (2018) | Rapid post disaster: Building usability assessment | This Field Guide: Rapid Post Disaster Building Usability Assessment – Geotechnical, has been produced to assist geotechnical professionals in assessing the life safety risk posed by land instability hazards and their effects on building usability in a rapid building assessment (RBA) process during a State of Emergency or during a lesser event in special circumstances. |
| NZ | Managing Buildings in an emergency | MBIE (2020) | https://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/managing-buildings/post-emergency-building-assessment/managing-buildings-in-an-emergency.pdf | This has some guidance on how to integrate geotechnical hazard management into the overall management post an event |
| Sweden | Sweden response-guidelines-for-landslides (2013) | SCDA (2013) | https://www.msb.se/siteassets/dokument/publikationer/english-publications/response-guidelines-for-landslides.pdf | Mostly a post-event guidelines with some good checklists on signs of imminent slope failure. Good photos. |
| Australia | Reducing the Community Impact of Landslides Manual 24 Guide 8 Emergency Management Australia (2001) | EMA (2001) | https://www.un-spider.org/sites/default/files/10-Landslide_Landslide%20disaster%20management%20in%20Australia_Emergency%20Management%20Australia.pdf | Quite a nice but old action plan |
NZ landslide and land use guidelines including all natural hazards
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Slope Stability General Guidance Series – Unit 1 General Guidance | NZGS (2023) – Draft | https://fl-nzgs-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/12/NZGS-Slope-Stability-Guidance-Draft-For-Comment.pdf | This document is published by NZGS as a guideline only and it is not released under Section 175 of the Building Act. It is not mandatory to follow the guidance. It is an overview document with more detail on selected subjects to follow (as at February 2024). |
| NZ | Slope Stability – Quick Guide | MBIE (2023) | https://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/managing-buildings/slope-stability-quick-guide.pdf | The Slope stability quick guide is produced by MBIE’s Building System Performance branch. It is intended to provide information to council staff, building practitioners and homeowners with regards to buildings affected by the North Island severe weather events occurring in 2023 when beginning to consider remediation and repair work to their building. |
| NZ | Landslide Planning Guidance – Reducing Landslide risk through land-use planning | GNS (2024) | https://www.gns.cri.nz/assets/Data-and-Resources/Download-files/MS-144-Landslide-Planning-Guidance_FINAL_25Jan2024.pdf | Excellent state of the art document pulling in international research work – geared towards planners |
| NZ | Overview of the state of land use planning for natural hazards in New Zealand also The role of science in land use planning: exploring the challenges and opportunities to improve practice also Investigating the role of iwi management plans in natural hazard management | GNS (2014) GNS (2016) | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266259936_Overview_of_the_state_of_land_use_planning_for_natural_hazards_in_New_Zealand also https://isref.co.nz/Docs/GNS_SR_2016_057_Role_of_science%20in_landuse_planning.pdf also https://www.linz.govt.nz/sites/default/files/bbrs_gns-presentation-ihmp-saunders-carter_20190213.pdf | The purpose of this report is to summarise the results of three studies on the state of natural hazards planning in New Zealand (Saunders, Beban, & Coomer, 2014a, 2014b; Saunders, Grace, & Beban, 2014 (in prep),). Primarily a desk top study, the project focused on the content of regional policy statements (RPS), unitary plans, district plans, and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) group plans – it has not assessed how these plans are implemented. This desk top study was complemented with a survey of the capability and capacity of councils for natural hazard planning. The findings of the three studies can be used to answer one key question: what is the state of planning for natural hazards in New Zealand? |
| NZ | Manging natural hazard risk in New Zealand – towards more resilient communities | LGNZ (2014) | https://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/Publications/de504aaea2/Managing-natural-hazards-LGNZ-think-piece.pdf | Excellent summary of natural hazards from a local government perspective |
| NZ | Protecting NZ from natural hazards | ICNZ (2014) | icnz-protecting-nz-from-natural-hazards-2014.pdf | Excellent summary of natural hazards and the system problems from an insurance perspective |
| NZ | Slope Stability and Land Use – Improving Planning Practice | CAENZ (2009) | https://www.eqc.govt.nz/assets/Publications-Resources/4341-Slope-Stability-and-Land-use-improving-planning-practice-compressed.pdf | EQC supported the development of this document It is an excellent document and at first sight it appears the issues that existed in 2009 are still present! The recommendations still seem relevant. |
| NZ | Managing Landslip Risk – Improving Practice | CAENZ (2007) | https://www.eqc.govt.nz/sites/public_files/4340-Managing-landsliip-risk.pdf | A good discussion on many issues associated with the slope stability landscape in NZ. It has a good framework for action. |
| NZ | Review of Land Information Memorandums: Achieving best practice | LGNZ (2021) | https://d1pepq1a2249p5.cloudfront.net/media/documents/LGNZ-Review-of-Land-Information-Memorandums_XHdAqPM.pdf | “The function of a LIM is to provide information held by a council on a property including natural hazard information known to the council. The LIM however, is not a risk disclosure mechanism. The [LGNZ] report identifies problems with the LIM system and a variety of short and long-term solutions.” |
| NZ | Regulatory Impact Statement [RIS]: Improving the disclosure of natural hazard information in the land information memorandum system/ | Treasury (2021) | RIS https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2022-02/ria-dia-idn-nov21.pdf Media announcement https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/better-natural-hazard-information-home-buyers Changes to legislation http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/consol_act/lgoiamaa2023538.pdf | A RIS is prepared when looking at changes to legislation in the caser the LGOIMA Act in regard to natural hazards – changes will be implemented in 1/7/25. This has a lot of policy discussion about natural hazards in regard to LIMs and the problems associated with the current system. This has resulted in a change to the LGOIMA legislation Clauses 44A, 44B 44C and 44D and a change to the definition of natural hazards (section 2). These changes will have implication for councils which in turn may impact on the hazard information councils collect. |
| NZ | Landslip Claim Review Research project 91/62 | EQC (1992) | https://www.eqc.govt.nz/sites/public_files/4332-Landslip-claim-review.pdf | Includes a review of 2000 EQC land damage claims between 1971 and 1991. 71 claims were studied in detail. |
| NZ | Calibration Studies for Landslide Qualitative Risk Assessment Study Report No. 110 | BRANZ (2001) | https://d39d3mj7qio96p.cloudfront.net/media/documents/SR110_Calibration_studies_for_landslide_quantitative_risk_assessment.pdf | While a little old this has some very good case studies and worked examples. |
| NZ | The Design of Permanent Slopes for Residential Building Development | Crawford et al (1994) | https://fl-nzgs-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/Ref.4A-c_TL607-The-Design-Of-Permanent-Slopes-for-residential-Development-A1737665.pdf | Summary of the following EQC funded report. |
| NZ | The Design of Permanent Slopes for Residential Building Development | EQC Crawford et al (1998) | https://www.eqc.govt.nz/assets/Publications-Resources/4307-The-design-of-permanent-slopes-for-residential-building-development-compressed.pdf | EQC supported the development of this document. Includes a survey of local councils. A very good basic document on the state-of-the-art at the time. Possibly not much has changed. Excellent document – this needs close study to fully absorbed. I suspect many of the issues that existed then still apply. Includes a history of slope stability guideline development in NZ. This outlines the case for a NZ based guideline and gives a good description of the possible scope. |
| NZ | Assessment of Slope Stability at Building Sites | BRANZ (1987) | https://fl-nzgs-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/Ref.4A-k_AssessmentOfSlopeStabilityAtBuildingSites.BRANZ-SR4.1987.pdf | Has a great discussion on the strengths and weakness of both geologists and engineers in regard to landslide stability risk assessment. |
| NZ | Landslides and Landslide dams caused by the Kaikoura Earthquake | https://www.geonet.org.nz/landslide/dam | Geonet landslide dams website – some nice photos. | |
| NZ | Slope Stability in Urban Development | DSIR (1977) Information Series No. 122 | http://digitallibrary.landcareresearch.co.nz/digital/collection/p20022coll17/id/16/ | The copy to be placed on the NZGS web site is taken from the Text on this web link – which in turn was based on a scanning an old report. The are some text conversion errors and photos and figures are not included. There are occasional errors in the text and Page references. There is a good discussion on regional land instability. |
| NZ | Landslides in New Zealand | Glade and Crozier (1999) | https://www.islandvulnerability.org/nz/landslides.pdf | This publication aims to summarize and to provide a list of landslide research publications and reports in New Zealand since publications are available up to 1996. |
| NZ | NZ Landslides more dangerous than Quakes | Stuff (2021) | https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/123927961/nz-landslides-more-dangerous-than-quakes | Stuff articles summarising some work regarding landslide and other ground related fatalities by Chris Massey at GNS. It is understood from Chris that 600 people have been killed by landslides and the 1800 figure includes mining related and landslide fatalities. |
| NZ | NZGS/MBIE Geotechncal Module Series inparticular Modules 1 and 2, the liquefaction planning guidance and the Rockfall guideline | MBIE web site. | https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/b-stability/b1-structure/geotechnical-guidance/ |
Landslide risk assessment guidelines
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| International | Risk Management Principles | ISO (2009) | BS ISO 31000:2009 – Risk management. Principles and guidelines (British Standard) (ansi.org) | Need to buy a copy. |
| Australia | Landslide Risk Management | AGS (2000,2007c,d) | Guidelines – Landslide Risk Management | State of the art land use and risk assessment guidelines. Numerous documents on this web link. |
| Hong Kong | Landslide Risk Assessment – Application and Practrice GEO Report 195 | GEO (2005) | https://hkss.cedd.gov.hk/hkss/eng/qra/PDF/er195links.pdf | |
| Canada | Landslide Risk Evaluation | GSC (2013) Porter et al | https://ftp.maps.canada.ca/pub/nrcan_rncan/publications/STPublications_PublicationsST/292/292234/of_7312.pdf | A very useful document. “This contribution focuses on general principles and approaches of evaluating different measures of landslide risk. The attention is on the evaluation of landslide risk associated with existing and proposed residential development, because it is here that national guidelines can prove most beneficial.” |
| NZ | Calibration Studies for Landslide Qualitative Risk Assessment Study Report No. 110 | BRANZ (2001) | https://d39d3mj7qio96p.cloudfront.net/media/documents/SR110_Calibration_studies_for_landslide_quantitative_risk_assessment.pdf | Some very good case studies and worked examples. |
| NZ/ Bay of Plenty | Quantitative Landslide and Debris Flow Hazard Assesment Matata Escarpment | T&T (2013) | https://www.whakatane.govt.nz/sites/www.whakatane.govt.nz/files/documents/about-council/council-projects/debris-flow-and-landslide-hazards/Matata%20Quantitative%20Landslide%20Hazard%20Assessment%20-%20Web.pdf also Microsoft Word – FINAL Matatā Governance Report. Hanna et al. 2018.docx (resiliencechallenge.nz) | Good state of the art report – there may be more current documents available on this site. This site is significant in terms of RMA law in NZ. The last man standing against Matatā’s managed retreat | Stuff.co.nz |
| NZ | Guidelines for Natural Hazard Risk Analysis on Public Conservation Lands and Waters | DOC (2020) | Not available yet via GNS as at 2021 | Excellent state-of-the-art set of 5 documents presenting a risk assessment framework for assessing DOC assets exposure to landslide, tsunami and volcanic hazards. As it mid 2021 not publicly available but expected to be shortly. Available to consultants working on DOC projects. |
| Canada | Landslide risk evaluation | GSC (2013) Porter et al | https://ftp.maps.canada.ca/pub/nrcan_rncan/publications/STPublications_PublicationsST/292/292234/of_7312.pdf | A very useful document. “This contribution focuses on general principles and approaches of evaluating different measures of landslide risk. The attention is on the evaluation of landslide risk associated with existing and proposed residential development, because it is here that national guidelines can prove most beneficial.” |
| Canada BC | Landslide Case studies in Forest Development Planning and Operations | Wise et al (2004) | LMH Landslides 1 (gov.bc.ca) | An old but very good discussion on QRA with worked examples. |
| Australia | Landslide Risk Management | AGS (2000,2007c,d) | Guidelines – Landslide Risk Management | State of the art land use and risk assessment guidelines. Numerous documents on this web link. |
| NZ/ CHCH | Understanding life-safety concepts for rockfall and cliff collapse in the Port Hills | GNS | https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Environment/Land/gns-ph-Summary1-3web.pdf | Excellent summary document on risk. |
| NZ / CHCH | Principles and Criteria for the Assessment of the Assessment of Risk from Slope Instability in the Port Hills Christchurch 2011-319 | GNS (2012) | https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Environment/Land/gns-ph-riskassesscriteria12684519.pdf | Excellent state of the art document. |
Climate change and landslides
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| Norway | Climate Change Adaption in Norway (white Paper) | NMCE (2013) | Meld. St. 33 (2012–2013) (regjeringen.no) | A good discussion document including the impacts of climate change on natural hazards and insurance losses. |
| A Slippery Slope: Could Climate Change Lead to More Landslides? | Eos Journal (2020) | https://eos.org/features/a-slippery-slope-could-climate-change-lead-to-more-landslides | Scientists investigate whether warming temperatures and changing rainfall patterns could be triggering more landslides in mountainous areas. “Despite the progress that has been made in assessing how climate change affects landslides, the picture remains a complex one. Climate change can lead to more landslides, but in some regions, it can lead to droughts or more vegetation, which can make landslides less likely.” | |
| International | Landslides in a changing climate | Gariano et al (2016) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012825216302458 | Broad discussion on the challenges estimating the impacts of climate change on slope stability. |
| International | Guideline – On integrating Climate Change Projection Into Landslide Risk Assessments & Mapping – at River Basin level | ASEAN (2021) | https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Landslide-Guidelines_Final.pdf | The main objective of these guidelines is to assist Asean Member States conduct landslide risk assessments and mapping by integrating climate change impacts at the river basin level. Asian focus. |
| International | Climate Platform | https://climateadaptationplatform.com/category/climate-change-report/ https://climateadaptationplatform.com/?s=landslide | Useful web sites with huge amounts of resources. |
International Landslide Strategies, Action Plan and Communications documents
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | AF8 Programme Strategy 2022-25 | AF8 | https://af8.org.nz/media/fpxjy3uu/af8_programme-strategy-2022-25-jul22.pdf | The programme aims to share the Alpine Fault hazard and impact science and preparedness information widely, through communication and engagement activities, to increase awareness, enable conversation and build societal preparedness to natural hazard events |
| NZ | East Coast Lab website – | East Coast Lab | https://www.eastcoastlab.org.nz/ | “Our mission is to grow and share Hikurangi Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami hazard knowledge, and to work alongside communities to build resilience to these hazards through partnership with iwi, hapu, scientists and emergency managers.……. …..Planning for a rupture of New Zealand’s largest fault, the Hikurangi subduction zone, has kicked into motion with emergency managers, scientists, and key stakeholders working together to develop a Hikurangi Earthquake and Tsunami (HEAT) Framework.” |
| US | Partnerships for Reducing Landslide Risk | NRC 2004 | Front Matter | Partnerships for Reducing Landslide Risk: Assessment of the National Landslide Hazards Mitigation Strategy | The National Academies Press (nap.edu) | Very good strategy document including a discussion on roles and responsibilities and on funding. Quote: “…this report is not about the prevention of landslides. What it is about is improved understanding of the hazards posed by landslides, of the role that improved education and the dissemination of information can play, and about the mitigation of such hazards through improved building and inspection codes and through improved engineering practice. The identification and assessment of landslide hazards and the evaluation of the risks associated with acts of mitigation are discussed in this report from two points of view. First is the objective point of view of the natural sciences, and second is the subjective point of view that people have to understand the bargain they make with nature when they choose to live in rugged terrain.” |
| US | National Strategy for Landslide Loss Reduction | USGS (2022) | https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2022/1075/ofr20221075.pdf | “This [strategy] document describes goals and strategic actions of a comprehensive strategy to meet key challenges to reducing the [US’] risk from landslide hazards equitably and effectively. The document follows the direction of the US National Landslide Preparedness Act by presenting a strategy for addressing landslide hazards, including risk reduction and response. The act directs the US] Department of the Interior to establish a program that will work with State, Tribal, and local governments as well as with academia, the private sector, community-based groups, and nonprofit organizations to identify landslide hazards and risk and improve communication, coordination, and emergency preparedness, with the objective of reducing landslide losses.” |
| Japan | The Tokyo Landslide Action Plan | https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/bbm%3A978-3-540-70965-7%2F1.pdf | ||
| USA | US Washington State DoT Landslide Mitigation Action Plan | DoT (2014) Updated Report (2016) | Landslide Mitigation Action Plan (wa.gov) https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/2016/Landslide%20Mitigation%20Update%202016%20V3.pdf | Good practical document with useful practical examples on a roading network. “The mission of the Work Group was to develop short- and long-term strategies to reduce landslide impacts and improve transportation reliability throughout the corridor. |
| International | Landslide risk management: from hazard to disaster risk reduction | ICL (2023) | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10346-023-02140-5 | The collection of papers titled “Landslide risk management: from hazard to disaster risk reduction” is a virtual thematic issue covering various aspects of landslide research to manage disaster risks on diverse scales. This includes 20 articles published between 2005 and 2023 addressing global and specific concerns about managing landslide disaster risk. These include those issues of interest reflected by the International Consortium on Landslides’ (ICL) key initiatives to reduce disaster risk. Includes and Action Plan |
| Scotland | Scottish Road Network Landslides Study Implementation Report | Transport Scotland (2005) and (2008) | Part 1 https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20160112124009mp_/http://www.gov.scot/Resource/Doc/55971/0015351.pdf Part 2 https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20160112124013mp_/http://www.gov.scot/Resource/Doc/55971/0015327.pdf https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/23546/j10107.pdf | Split into Two parts 2005. Focus is on debris flows. A really good document with a focus on roading resilience. Early example of using GIS and various data sources to assess vulnerability. Also a brief discussion on rainfall trigger levels. Some nice graphics and Tables in Section 4 including Tables 4.4 and 4.5 are also useful. The overall purpose of the landslides study is to ensure that Transport Scotland has systematically assessed and ranked the hazards posed by debris flows and has in place a management and mitigation strategy for the Scottish trunk road network. The purpose of the ranking system is to allow the future effects of debris flow events to be appropriately managed and mitigated as budgets permit, thus ensuring that the exposure of road users to the consequences of future debris flows is minimised. |
| International | Landslides in a changing climate | Gariano et al (2016) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012825216302458 | Broad discussion on the challenges estimating the impacts of climate change on slope stability. |
Seismic Hazard (PGA) NZ
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| Re-evaluation of New Zealand Seismic for Geotechnical Assessment and Design Seismic Hazard Analysis of Peak Ground Acceleration for major regional New Zealand | Cubrinovski et al (2021) Bradley et al (2021) | Prior to being formally published in the NZSEE Journal these two integrated papers have been published in these two dropbox links: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1yuizdhmqupml5h/BNZSEE2018_Cubrinovski%20et%20al_NZ%20Hazard%20for%20Geotech%20Design.pdf?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/cbez9x2dhq57yv7/BNZSEE2019_Bradley%20et%20al_NZGS%20Seismic%20Hazard%20Calculations.pdf?dl=0 | Note Misko’s and Brendon’s papers will inform a proposed update to NZGS/MBIE Module 1 will update the PGA hazard for some parts of the country in some cases significantly. This work is likely superseded by the 2023 national seismic hazard model. | |
| Atlas of Isoseismal Maps of NZ Earthquakes | GNS (1995) | https://www.eqc.govt.nz/assets/Publications-Resources/7-Atlas-of-isoseismal-maps-of-New-Zealand-earthquakes-compressed-v2.pdf | This Atlas of isoseismal maps of New Zealand earthquakes contains the felt intensity distributions of 123 earthquakes. The maps cover EQs from 1850s through to 1990s. The purpose of this Atlas is to bring together in one volume all the available (up to 1990) well determined isoseismal maps and to define the data on which they have been based. |
EQ scenarios and landslides
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Alpine Fault Magnitude 8 Hazard Scenario | AF8 Steering group (2016) | https://af8.org.nz/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/af8_hazardscenario-oct16-final.pdf | The purpose of this report is to an improved understanding of the consequences of a large Alpine Fault earthquake across the South Island. |
| India | A Safer Tomorrow? Effects of a Magnitude 7 Earthquake on Aizawl, Mizoram and Recommendations to Reduce Losses | Geohazards International | https://4649393f-bdef-4011-b1b6-9925d550a425.filesusr.com/ugd/08dab1_70463979ea5947f4ac21eb8960812535.pdf | An Earthquake Scenario for Aizawl India. A scenario tells the story of a realistic, but hypothetical, earthquake and its estimated impacts. It is not a prediction. |
Seismic Design Guidelines and Papers
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| Bridge Manual Chapter 6 – Site stability, foundations, earthworks and retaining walls | Waka Kotahi web site | https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/bridge-manual/docs-3rd-edition/Bridge-manual-pdf-section-6-v3.3.pdf | Relevant to Waka Kotahi projects but commonly used for other projects. This section of the Bridge Manual presents design philosophy and design criteria for the: (a) assessment of slope stability, liquefaction and lateral spreading in earthquakes; (b) design of mitigation measures for liquefaction and slope instability; (c) design of foundations • design of embankments and cut and fill slopes (d) and the design of earth retaining structures including mechanically stabilised earth (MSE). Note a proposed update to NZGS/MBIE Module 1 will update the PGA hazard for some parts of the country – in some cases significantly. | |
| Seismic performance of High Cut slopes | NZTA (2017) | https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/research/reports/613/613-Seismic-design-and-performance-of-high-cut-slopes-revised.pdf | Excellent document with a good discussion of the performance of slopes internationally and treads in how slopes perform. | |
| Pseudostatic slope stability procedure | Bray et al (2011) | https://fl-nzgs-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2016/07/Bray-2011-Pseudostatic-slope-stability-procedure-paper.pdf | State of the art approach. | |
| Methods for assessing the stability of slopes during Earthquakes – A retrospective | Jibson (2011) | https://www.rocscience.com/help/slide2/assets/docs/methods_for_assessing_the_stability_of_slopes_during_earthquakes-nees.pdf | This is an excellent summary of the state of the art in 2011. | |
| Seismic Slope Stability Assessment in Moderate Seismicity Region, Hong Kong | Koo et al (2008) | https://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/14_S03-027.PDF | Useful paper comparing FLAC studies to pseudo static seismic analyses | |
| Co-seismic landslide susceptibility and triggering analyses | Massey et al 2021 in press | https://www.issmge.org/committees/joint-technical-committees/natural-slopes-and-landslides | Part of the JCT-1 initiative https://www.issmge.org/committees/joint-technical-committees/natural-slopes-and-landslides Pre print draft sighted. Looks to be a useful summary of the state of the art with a particular focus on regional mapping using GIS systems to better understand the hazard. | |
| Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Chapter 10 Seismic Slope Stability | Kramer, S. L. (1996). “Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering.” Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. | Good discussion on the assessment of the effects of slopes on earthquakes. This book needs to be purchased but is a seminal text on earthquakes albeit a bit old now. | ||
| USA | Seismic Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls, Buried Walls, Buried Structures, Slopes and Embankments. | NCHRP Report 611 (2008) | https://www.nap.edu/download/14189 | A very good infrastructure design guideline. Has a good discussion on gaps in Section 3 – the concerns about the M-O loading to retaining walls has been addressed in NZGS/MBIE Module 6 where ka is capped. |
| USA | Static and Seismic slope stability assessment | ASCE L.A. Section(2002) | Seismic Slope Stability | Geo-Congress 2013 (ascelibrary.org) Seismic Slope Stability | Request PDF (researchgate.net) | Not sighted but this likely to be a good state of the art document given who the author is but the document needs to be purchased US$35. |
| USA | Geotechnical Manual | Caltrans (2020) | https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/engineering/documents/geotechnical-services/202001-gm-landslides-a11y.pdf | Extracts from Caltrans Manual. Table 1 looks useful for comparing and scoring mitigation options as well as the discussion on Page 16 and 17 about target levels of FoS and improvement. |
| USA California | (CGS, 2008) Special Publication 117a, Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in CA | SMGB (2008) | https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Program-SHP/SP_117a.pdf There seems to be some error with this link for some reason – the US web site seems to be down or no longer exists. A copy with be placed on the NZGS library web site. | Excellent document. |
| Simplified design methods – Seismic slope stability analysis | https://geotechsimulation.com/2018/02/16/seismic-coefficients-for-pseudostatic-slope-stability-analysis/ | Nice web site giving the current state of practice (2018) in North America to evaluate the performance of slopes during earthquake loading. Includes links to papers and software and Excel clacualtion sheets – non-of which I have tested. | ||
| Seismic Design Of Geotechnical Structures For NCTIR | NZGS Website library | https://www.nzgs.org/libraries/seismic-design-of-geotechnical-structures-for-nctir/ | “This paper outlines key elements and the main findings for seismic design of geotechnical structures, i.e. earth retaining systems as well as natural and man-made slopes, and provides an unabridged roadmap for a streamlined design following the principles of value engineering and performance based design. Although emphasis is placed on the work that was carried out by North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) on State Highway 1 following the 14 November 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikōura Earthquake, the derived conclusions are valid for any other NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) related geo-mechanical Performance Based Design.” |
Landslides, law and the Building Act(s)/Codes
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Part C C4 Geotechnical Considerations (Red Book) | NZSEE/MBIE | http://www.eq-assess.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/c4-geotechnical-considerations.pd | This section provides guidance on the geotechnical considerations for a Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA). It provides tools to identify the level of influence that ground behaviour (e.g. soil deformation or specific geotechnical hazards such as slope instability) may have on structural performance during earthquake shaking |
| Tauranga/BoP | Practice Note for Managing Natural Hazards underr the Building Act 2004 | TCC (2020) | https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/Portals/0/data/living/residential_building/files/natural-hazards-practice-note.pdf | Very useful document regarding Building Act Section 72-74 Notices – would be great if this was turned into a national practice note. |
| USA Portland | Portland City Code Guidelines on Slope Hazards | Portland (2019) | https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/727610 | A useful document that could be used as a template for councils. |
Slope stability design guidance
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Trees for slopes | Satchell (2018) | https://www.nzffa.org.nz/system/assets/3025/Report_-_Trees_for_steep_slopes.pdf | Looks at different trees species that can mitigate the effects of erosion of slopes in the Forestry sector. The focus is on alternative species and regimes that offer the opportunity to improve slope stability beyond what can be achieved with standard practice radiata clearfell practices. |
| Reasonable Variation Between Slope Stability Analysis Methods | Fredlund et al 2012 | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346652696_Reasonable_Variation_Between_Slope_Stability_Analysis_Methods | Useful paper discussing a comparison between software applications. Includes some software examples. | |
| Australia | Example problems for testing soil slope stability programs | ACADS (1989) | Giam, P.S.K. and I.B. Donald (1989), “Example problems for testing soil slope stability programs”, Civil Engineering Research Report No. 8/1989, Monash University, ISBN 0867469218, ISSN 01556282 | Excellent set of benchmark problems to test software examples and skills against. Difficult finding an electronic copy of this paper and the follow up survey online. Many of the example problems are presented in the two references below. |
| Australia | Verification of slope stability paper | https://optumce.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/G2_Slope_Stability_Verification.pdf | Pulls up most of the ACADS (1989) benchmark slope stability assessment problems/models and compares to other software. Very useful examples to test software skills as part of a training programme. | |
| RocScience Manual verifying SARMA slope stability method | https://www.rocscience.com/help/slide2/assets/docs/slide_slopestabilityverification_sarma.pdf | Again, this has some worked examples on slope stability. Very useful examples to test software skills. | ||
| UK | Slope stability Analysis – Limit equilibrium or the finite elements method Matthews et al (Arup) 2014 | Mathews et al (2014) magazine article | https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Helm-3/publication/279176042_Slope_stability_analysis_-_limit_equilibrium_or_the_finite_element_method/links/558be6bb08ae40781c1f2f8a/Slope-stability-analysis-limit-equilibrium-or-the-finite-element-method.pdf?origin=publication_detail | This is a useful article comparing approaches favourably and pointing out some traps to the software. If refers back to the ACADS (1989) worked examples. |
Soft engineering stabilisation
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| NZ | Trees for slopes | Satchell (2018) | https://www.nzffa.org.nz/system/assets/3025/Report_-_Trees_for_steep_slopes.pdf | Looks at different trees species that can mitigate the effects of erosion of slopes in the Forestry sector. The focus is on alternative species and regimes that offer the opportunity to improve slope stability beyond what can be achieved with standard practice radiata clearfell practices. |
| NZ | Te Paiaka – Native Root Project (summary) | Auckland Council & Stantec | Summary Report Detailed Report | Focus on stream bank stability, but broadly applicable. |
Geotechnical report writing guides
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| USA San Diego | Guideline for Geotechnical Reports – San Diego | https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/publicworks/pdf/edocref/georeports08.pdf | This is a nice guideline outlining what a good geotechnical report should include for what is probably a moderately complex project. It is tailored for California law and local bylaws | |
| Guidelines For Investigating Geologic Hazards and Preparing Geo Reports-Utah_UGS | USGS (1996) | https://jacksontetonplan.com/DocumentCenter/View/1299/Guidelines-For-Investigating-Geologic-Hazards-And-Preparing-GeoReports-Suggested-Approach-GeoHazard-Ordinances-Utah_UGS-2016 | Useful document with some good checklists at the end of the document on report and study content. |
NZ case studies and project reports
| Country/ Region | Topic / title | Organisation | Web links | Comment |
| Auckland | Predicting Auckland’s Exposure to Coastal Instability and Erosion Technical Report 2020/021 | AC (2021) | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/what-we-do-to-help-environment/Documents/predicting-auckland-exposure-coastal-instability-erosion.pdf | A programme of research was undertaken to identify, at a regional level, the areas of Auckland that are susceptible to coastal instability and erosion. It forecasts the areas of Auckland’s coastline that could be affected by coastal erosion (and instability triggered by such erosion) under a range of climate change scenarios and timeframes. It builds upon an earlier 2006 study which formed the basis of the coastal erosion rules currently within the Auckland Unitary Plan. |
| New Zealand/ Bay of Plenty | Quantitative Landslide and Debris Flow Hazard Assesment Matata Escarpment | T&T (2013) | https://www.whakatane.govt.nz/sites/www.whakatane.govt.nz/files/documents/about-council/council-projects/debris-flow-and-landslide-hazards/Matata%20Quantitative%20Landslide%20Hazard%20Assessment%20-%20Web.pdf also Microsoft Word – FINAL Matatā Governance Report. Hanna et al. 2018.docx (resiliencechallenge.nz) | Good state of the art report – there may be more current documents available on this site. This site and final retreat outcome is significant in terms of RMA law in NZ. The last man standing against Matatā’s managed retreat | Stuff.co.nz |
| New Zealand/ Bay of Plenty | Managed retreat governance: Insights from Matata, NZ | Hanna et all (2018) | Microsoft Word – FINAL Matatā Governance Report. Hanna et al. 2018.docx (resiliencechallenge.nz) | “While this report provides only a snapshot of the barriers and enablers experienced in implementing managed retreat in Matatā, it highlights important governance issues that are relevant to the wider New Zealand context. Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Proposed Plan Change 17 is likely to provide some legal clarity on the extinguishment of existing use rights as a tool to achieve managed retreat, however there still remains a need for national guidance and mechanisms to enable retreat in a way that is acceptable to affected communities, as well as a framework outlining funding responsibilities and resourcing. Such means would avoid some of the hurdles experienced in Matatā, particularly at the procedural level.” |
| Tauranga | Mangatapu Landslide Advice | T&T/TCC (2023) | https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/Portals/0/data/living/natural_hazards/files/maungatapu-landslide-advice.pdf | Summary report following landslides that occurred in 2022/23 in Tauranga. |
| Tauranga | Tauranga Landslide Susceptability Stdy | WSP/TCC (2023) | https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/Portals/0/data/living/natural_hazards/files/tauranga-landslide-susceptibility-report.pdf | “Tauranga City Council (TCC) is aiming to improve the understanding and mapping of landslide hazards across the district, as part of a wider initiative to research, quantify and map a variety of major natural hazards affecting the city. This study has been prepared as part of this programme and provides a city-wide assessment of landslide susceptibility.” |
| New Zealand/ CHCH | Selection of Port Hills GNS Reports following Canterbury Earthquake Sequence | GNS | https://ccc.govt.nz/environment/land/slope-stability/porthillsgnsreports | Useful web page collecting all the CHCH Port Hills stability and life risk reports – the life risk reports have become the de facto standard for other areas of NZ |
| New Zealand/ CHCH | Understanding life-safety concepts for rockfall and cliff collpase in the Port Hills | GNS | https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Environment/Land/gns-ph-Summary1-3web.pdf | Excellent summary document on risk. |
| New Zealand/ CHCH | Principles and Criteria for the Assessment of the Assessment of Risk from Slope Instability in the Port Hills Christchurch 2011-319 | GNS (2012) | https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Environment/Land/gns-ph-riskassesscriteria12684519.pdf | Excellent state of the art document. |
| New Zealand | NEMA Landslide information sheet | NEMA (2010) | https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/publications/consistent-messages-part-B-landslides.pdf | Useful post event info sheet |
| New Zealand/ Bay of Plenty | Landslide and Debris Flow Hazard Management Issies and Options | Boffa Miskell (2013) | https://www.whakatane.govt.nz/sites/www.whakatane.govt.nz/files/documents/about-council/council-projects/debris-flow-and-landslide-hazards/Issues%20and%20Options%20Final.pdf | Useful planning document |
| NZ/ Kaikoura | Deterministic mapping of Potential Landslide Debris Inundation in the Kaikoura District | Brideau et al GNS Consultantancy Report 2019/102 (2020) | https://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/CR2019-102-Deterministic-mapping-of-potential-landslide-debris-inundation-FINAL.pdf | Good summary of debris flow issues including international research. |
| NZ Kaikoura | Landslides caused by the 14 November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, South Island, New Zealand | Dellow et al (2017) | https://fl-nzgs-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2017/11/NZGS_Symposium_20_Dellow2.pdf | Nice summary of the damaged caused by the Kaikoura earthquake. |
| NZ Kaikoura | Kaikōura Earthquake Slope Hazards – Risk Mitigation and Network Resilience | Mason et al (2018) | https://www.nzgs.org/library/kaikoura-earthquake-slope-hazards-risk-mitigation-and-network-resilience/ | Web link – a good summary of the 80 or so landslides that affected the SH1 and Kiwirail network near Kaikoura. Includes a discussion on monitoring systems and repiar works. A good referenbce list. |
| NZ Taihape | The dynamics of reactivated landslides: Utiku and Taihape, North Island, New Zealand | Massey, C I (2010) PhD Thesis | The dynamics of reactivated landslides: Utiku and Taihape, North Island, New Zealand – Durham e-Theses | Two deep-seated, reactivated translational slides were selected to represent over 7,000 mapped landslides of this type in Tertiary-age sedimentary rocks of New Zealand. [West Taihape and Utiku] Each was closely monitored with an automated network of instruments to detect and measure the effects of rainfall, pore pressure, earthquakes and river stage on changing surface and subsurface movement patterns, with sufficient resolution to link periods of movement to their triggering factors. |
| NZ Franz Joseph district | Natural Hazard Assessment for the Township of Franz Joseph, Westland | GNS Report 2016/33 Landgridge et al | https://www.wcrc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2459ikxj617q9ser65rr/hierarchy/Documents/Publications/Natural%20Hazard%20Reports/Westland%20District/Franz%20Josef/GNS%20Final%20Franz%20Josef%20Report%202016.pdf | Good regional wide summary. |
| Westland | Planning for a safer Franz Josef-Waiau community, Westland District: considering rupture of the Alpine Fault | GNS (2011) | https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/sites/default/files/planning-for-a-safer-franz-josefwaiau-community.pdf | |
| Nz Hawkes bay | Earthquake Induced Landslide Hazard Assessment Hawkes Bay region | GNS Report 2020/46 Pradel et al (2020) | https://www.hbemergency.govt.nz/assets/Research-Reports-and-Hazard-Info-Portal/CR2020-46-ELHA-Hawkes-Bay-Region-FINAL-July-2020.pdf | |
| NZ/ CHCH | Geotechnical information on horizontal land movement due to the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence | LINZ (2015) | https://www.linz.govt.nz/file/7451/download?token=K-KG_MnX | The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the various mechanisms of ground movement that have occurred across Canterbury as a result of the CES, focussing on horizontal ground movements of most relevance for cadastral surveyors. The report explains the key geological mechanisms, and outlines the data that is available on the Canterbury Geotechnical Database (CGD – now the NZGD) that relates to these mechanisms. |
| NZ | GNS Report EQ-induced Landsliding in NZ and Implications for MM Intensity and Seismic Hazard Assessment (1997) | Hancox et al (1995) & Hancox et al (2002) | https://www.eqc.govt.nz/sites/public_files/2276-EQ-induced%20landsliding-hazard%20assessment%281of2%29.pdf https://bulletin.nzsee.org.nz/index.php/bnzsee/article/view/446 | This report and summary paper summarises landslide and ground damage from 22 historical earthquakes in NZ to determine relations between landslide magnitude, epicentre, faulting geology and topography. It does not include detailed analysis of data from the 1929 Murchison and 1855 Wairarapa earthquake. |
| NZ Southland Te Anau | Landslide induced -Seiching-Lakes-Te-Anau-and-Manapouri | GNS Report 2012/146 Hancox (2012) | https://envirolink.govt.nz/assets/Envirolink/1096-ESRC247-Seiching-Lakes-Te-Anau-and-Manapouri.pdf | This report presents the results of Stage 2 of a seiche and tsunami hazard study of Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau being undertaken by GNS Science for Environment Southland. It looks at the earthquake-induced landslide and wave generation potential of specific sites within 31 areas around the shorelines of Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau. It has a good summary of international incident of this type. |
| NZ Nelson | Slope Instability in Nelson website | NCC | http://www.nelson.govt.nz/environment/nelson-plan/natural-hazards/slope-instability/ | Local geotechnical engineers carried out a Nelson –wide investigation to map land potentially susceptible to slope instability and any impacts from the run-out of slope instability. There are links to the background report and map itself. |
| NZ, Otago | Management and reduction of Debris Risk in Roxburgh, Otago | Golders (2019) available via ORC website | https://www.orc.govt.nz/media/7259/unsecured_18113634_7407-004-r-rev0-eor_orc-roxburgh-debris-flow-assessment-_online.pdf | Useful case study on debris flow hazards and mitigation options. |
| NZ, Dunedin | Abbotsford Landslide Inquiry Report Abbotsford Geotechnical Report for EQC Historical Special Feature on Abbotsford | Royal Commission on Inquiry R G Gallen; New Zealand. Commission of Inquiry into the Abbotsford Landslip Disaster (1980) 30th Anniversary NZGS Geomechanics News Issue 78 (2009) | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_Abbotsford_landslip https://fl-nzgs-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2016/07/78_Dec2009_NZGeoNews.pdf | Essential reading Report to be digitised and uploaded to NZGS website |
| South Island, West Coast | A GIS approach to landslide hazard management for the West Coast region, New Zealand | UoC, England (2011) | https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/handle/10092/5337 | Masters Thesis |
| Whangarei | Land Zonation Mapping Geotechnical assessment level/stability hazard mapping for Hikurangi, Mid Kensington, Whangarei City Centre, East Kamo & Portland | T&T (2008) | https://www.wdc.govt.nz/files/assets/public/documents/council/reports/hazard-reports/land-stability/urban-land-stability-report-hikurangi-mid-kensington-whangarei-city-centre-east-kamo-portland.pdf | Very useful discussion on unstable land and underlying geology in the Whangarei region |
| Manawatu | Landslide Risk Management, Te Oro Ore Slip SH 4 | Horrey et al (2002) | https://www.nzgs.org/library/landslide-risk-management-te-ore-ore-slip-state-highway-4/ | NZGS Web article |
| Halifax St Wellington | Stuff link | https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/91318527/three-homes-evacuated-in-wellington-after-land-slip-in-suburb-of-kingston http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/10130365/A-year-of-living-dangerously | Likely a fill slope failure, very close to Priscilla Cres. It would be good to see the WCC geotechnical report. Interesting photos of broken pipes in the photo in the slipe debris | |
| Prescilla Cres – Wellington | Stuff link | http://www.stuff.co.nz/video-pointer/8745337/Wellington-homes-evacuated-by-landslide | Near Halifax Street above. Possible service implicated in failure as evident in one of the photos. It would be good to see the EQC Geotech report. Likely loose fill failure – links back to GNS dataset on these features. | |
| Manuka Place Whangarei Landslide | Manuka Place landslide | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/whangarei-family-moved-out-of-dangerous-structurally-unsafe-house/6VYWCQDBVSAWZV7S6ESI24HLMY/ | Numerous web links available on this site. EQC involved. | |
| Abbotsford Land Article | GNS | https://fl-nzgs-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2016/07/78_Dec2009_NZGeoNews.pdf | Summary article in NZ Geomechanics News 2009 | |
| How to prevent building where it isn’t safe | Auckland University (2023) | https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2023/03/16/how-to-prevent-building-where-it-isnt-safe.html | “If there is any good to come out of the storms this year it is that it will encourage local and central government planners to ensure building consent means well-informed consent, says Martin Brook.” |
Landslides NZ 