Landslides and debris flow possess greater damaging power due to their sudden occurrence and relatively high velocity. Landslide flow behaviour can be interpreted using a granular column collapse model. In the present study, dry granular flow behaviour on the erodible and non-erodible layers is analysed. A granular column collapse model with its spreading surface containing an erodible and non-erodible layer is used in this study. The unique property of granular particles to behave in a heterogeneous manner requires its analysis to be done individually. Therefore, particulate-level simulations are performed with the help of the discrete element method (DEM). Particle trajectories and the interaction forces between the particles in the system are studied at every step. Notable changes are found in the flow behaviour with respect to different aspect ratios. Parameters like bulk coordination number and the evolution of energy of the system are taken into consideration in this study. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.