Retrogressive landsliding evolution of natural slopes subjected to weathering has been modeled by assuming Mohr-Coulomb material behavior and by using an analytical method. The case of weathering-limited slope conditions, with complete erosion of the accumulated debris, has been modeled. The limit analysis upper-bound method is used to study slope instability induced by a homogeneous decrease of material strength in space and time. The only assumption required in the model concerns the degree of weathering within the slope, and for this we assumed and tested different weathering laws. By means of this method, the evolution of cliffs subject to strong weathering conditions (weathering-limited conditions) was predicted. The discrete succession of failures taking place was modeled taking into account the geometry assumed by slopes as a consequence of previous mass movements. The results have been compared with published data from long-term slope monitoring and show a good match between experimental observations and analytical predictions. The retrogressive evolution of the slope occurs with decreasing size of the unstable blocks, following a logarithmic volume-frequency relationship. A nonlinear relationship is found between mass flux and average slope gradient. A set of normalized solutions is presented both by nomograms and tables for different values of slope angle, cohesion, and internal friction angle. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

Utili, S., Crosta, G. (2011). Modelling the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering: I. limit analysis approach. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH: EARTH SURFACE, 116(1), F01016-F01041 [10.1029/2009JF001557].

Modelling the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering: I. limit analysis approach

CROSTA, GIOVANNI
2011

Abstract

Retrogressive landsliding evolution of natural slopes subjected to weathering has been modeled by assuming Mohr-Coulomb material behavior and by using an analytical method. The case of weathering-limited slope conditions, with complete erosion of the accumulated debris, has been modeled. The limit analysis upper-bound method is used to study slope instability induced by a homogeneous decrease of material strength in space and time. The only assumption required in the model concerns the degree of weathering within the slope, and for this we assumed and tested different weathering laws. By means of this method, the evolution of cliffs subject to strong weathering conditions (weathering-limited conditions) was predicted. The discrete succession of failures taking place was modeled taking into account the geometry assumed by slopes as a consequence of previous mass movements. The results have been compared with published data from long-term slope monitoring and show a good match between experimental observations and analytical predictions. The retrogressive evolution of the slope occurs with decreasing size of the unstable blocks, following a logarithmic volume-frequency relationship. A nonlinear relationship is found between mass flux and average slope gradient. A set of normalized solutions is presented both by nomograms and tables for different values of slope angle, cohesion, and internal friction angle. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
Landslide, erosion, weathering law, slope retreat, modeling, limit analysis
English
2011
116
1
F01016
F01041
F01016
none
Utili, S., Crosta, G. (2011). Modelling the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering: I. limit analysis approach. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH: EARTH SURFACE, 116(1), F01016-F01041 [10.1029/2009JF001557].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/21292
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