Forensic Investigation of the Cibedug Village Landslide

Abstract A landslide occurred in Cibedug Village, Rongga Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency, Indonesia, on February 28, 2024. To understand the mechanisms behind the landslide, a detailed field investigation was conducted. This included direct observation at the landslide site and laboratory testing of collected soil samples. Observations revealed that the landslide occurred on a gentle slope with an inclination of approximately 11 degrees. Six distinct soil layers with varying thicknesses experienced failure. Soil characteristic tests indicated that the slope consists predominantly of silty clay loam layers. The sixth soil layer, identified by its orange color and suspected tuff grains, is considered the primary cause of the landslide. This layer’s saturation degree exceeds 100%, indicating high water content and contributing to slope instability. Laboratory tests on this critical layer showed a cohesion value of 0.063 kg/cm 2 and an internal friction angle of 18.07 degrees, suggesting low shear strength. These factors likely led to the landslide under saturated conditions. The findings are crucial for understanding the landslide’s causes and developing effective mitigation strategies. By identifying the specific characteristics and weaknesses of the soil layers, this study provides insights for enhancing slope stability and preventing similar incidents in areas with comparable geological conditions. These results will guide future landslide risk assessments and inform the design of engineering interventions to safeguard vulnerable regions.