Abstract This study combines field investigation with finite element numerical simulation to examine the Jiangzi 500 kV transmission tower landslide in Sichuan, China. It investigates the mechanisms of rainfall-induced seepage, slope stability, and seismic response to identify the principal factors driving deformation and to propose feasible countermeasures for tower-slope systems. This research addresses an urgent challenge in managing geohazards that threaten critical infrastructure, specifically the stability of transmission towers situated on slopes vulnerable to rainfall. The issue directly affects the reliability and security of national energy supplies. A mechanistic understanding of the time-dependent coupled hydro-mechanical and seismic effects is achieved by integrating field investigation, laboratory testing, and transient ABAQUS-based numerical simulation. The site analysis of the Jiangzi 500 kV tower ensures that the modeling assumptions remain realistic and that the results correspond to actual engineering conditions. The comparison between short-term torrential rainfall and long-term moderate rainfall clearly demonstrates that cumulative infiltration exerts a substantial influence on slope behavior. The study extends beyond analytical evaluation by examining the effectiveness of countermeasures, including a drainage ditch and a micro steel pipe retaining wall, and demonstrates their practicality for engineering implementation. The findings provide critical insights into the combined effects of rainfall and seismic loading on tower-slope systems, providing a methodological framework for hazard prevention in mountainous regions.
Luo et al. (Sat,) studied this question.