Application of analytical hierarchy process and least-squares method for landslide susceptibility assessment along the Zhong-Wu natural gas pipeline, China

As one of the major problems of geo-engineering, landslides often influence the safety of linear engineering projects that cross mountainous areas. Therefore, when selecting suitable routes for such projects, it is important to assess their susceptibility to landslides. In this paper, we used a natural gas pipeline in the northeast of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau of China as a case study to analyze landslide susceptibility. Based on engineering geological analogy, the analytical hierarchy process, and the least-squares method, a regional landslide susceptibility assessment model was developed and was programmed using GIS ArcEngine components under the Visual Studio.NET environment. The landslide susceptibility along the Zhong-Wu natural gas pipeline from Zhongxian County to Wuhan was assessed based on this model and classified into five levels: very safe, safe, moderate, susceptible, and very susceptible. The high accuracy and prediction capability of the model were confirmed by comparing the model results with past landslide data and performing a prediction test. The results indicated that the assessment model used in this study is reliable and can be used for landslide susceptibility assessment and route selection in other areas.