Structural Performance Evaluation and Field Validation of Reinforced Masonry Walls for Slope Failure Mitigation

Residential areas near mountainous terrains are topographically vulnerable to debris-related disasters, such as landslides and debris flows, which often cause structural failure and casualties. Existing countermeasures primarily rely on external protective structures, such as check dams, whose capacity to prevent direct structural and human losses from such events is limited. In this study, the structural performance and field applicability of a reinforced masonry wall system, designed specifically for debris impact, were evaluated. Numerical simulations of a typical panel house structure revealed the most resistant configuration under debris loading. The optimal model (MWT<sub>HVR</sub> 0.4 m), reinforced with both vertical and horizontal rebars, demonstrated outstanding resistance to displacement distribution. Full-scale debris-impact simulations, performed using a landslide simulator (velocity 4.5 m/s), further confirmed the model’s resistance to displacement distribution and damage (or failure). An analysis based on predefined construction criteria, including spatial requirements, cost efficiency, construction system, duration, and maintenance, showed excellent consistency between the expected outcomes and the results obtained from the field pilot installation. These findings demonstrate the potential of the proposed method for field implementation, highlighting a structurally viable countermeasure for reducing structural failures and casualties in slope disasters.