Formation of the Haghartsin Landslide (Armenia) as a Consequence of the Violation of the Equilibrium State of the Slope During Engineering

Abstract

The Haghartsin landslide is located on the right bank of the Aghstev River, near the village of Haghartsin. It is an activated part of a large structural ancient landslide formed during a strong earthquake in the Pliocene-Upper Quaternary time. The first landslide phenomena began to be observed in this area in the 80s of the XX century, literally as soon as the pruning of the slope for the construction of roads and railways began. Significant movements first occurred in 1985 on the slope between the railway track and the highway, as well as on the slope above the railway track. In the 90s of the XX century, this section of the railway was completely destroyed, and already in 1996 a landslide body blocked the highway. Currently, landslide movements cover all new areas. The tongue of a landslide almost every year in May blocks the riverbed of the Aghstev River with the corresponding flooding of rural houses.