Analysis of seismic damage mechanism of travertine at Nuorilang waterfall, Jiuzhaigou

The Jiuzhaigou earthquake that occurred on August 8, 2017, has caused damage to some landscapes in the scenic area, including a small-scale collapse of the travertine located in the famous Nuorilang waterfall. Based on investigation, the current situation of seismic damage to the travertine has been determined. Besides, the damage process of the travertine has been simulated and analyzed through the two-dimensional discrete element analysis method (Universal Distinct Element Code, UDEC). The process reveals that the travertine has experienced four stages: vibration creep, continuous tension, toppling fracture and buckling failure. According to the analysis of seismic damage process of the travertine and its geological environment background, the geological environment conditions for the formation of travertine and the water flow system in the scenic area are basically stable, so the travertine will be in a relatively stable development stage, and the famous waterfall landscape will not die out.