Abstract: Loess collapse has become a technological problem in the infrastructure in Northern Shaanxi area severely threatening the safety of traffic and buildings. But systematic and summative studies on the failure modes and prevention measures are rarely seen. In this paper according to the peculiar development characteristics of loess slope in Northern Shaanxi, typical loess collapses in this region are comprehensively analysed, and the failure modes are summarized. In terms of failure pattern, the loess collapses are divided into spalling, caving, step-falling, toppling, sliding, and roof-falling. And in terms of collapse mechanism, the loess collapses are driven by stress, joint development, human and precipitation disturbance, as well as the combined action of multiple factors. In addition, commonly adopted countermeasures are summarized and effective measures corresponding to different failure modes are proposed.

Key words: loess collapse, failure mode, driving mechanism, prevention and control measures, northern Shaanxi area