The evolution of slopes subjected to weathering has been modeled by assuming Mohr-Coulomb behavior and by using a numerical approach based on the discrete element method (DEM). According to this method, soil and/or rock are represented by an assembly of bonded particles. Particle bonds are subject to progressive weakening, and so the material weathering and removal processes are modeled. Slope instability and material movement follow the decrease of material strength in space and time with the only assumption concerning the weathering distribution within the slope. First, the case of cliffs subject to strong erosion (weathering-limited conditions) and uniform weathering was studied to compare the results of the DEM approach with the limit analysis approach. Second, transport-limited slopes subject to nonuniform slope weathering were studied. Results have been compared with experimental data and other geomorphologic models from the literature (Fisher-Lehmann and Bakker-Le Heux). The flux of material from the slope is modeled assuming degradation both in space and time. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.
Utili, S., Crosta, G. (2011). Modeling the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering: 2. Discrete element approach. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH: EARTH SURFACE, 116(1), F01017-F01034 [10.1029/2009JF001559].
Modeling the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering: 2. Discrete element approach
CROSTA, GIOVANNI
2011
Abstract
The evolution of slopes subjected to weathering has been modeled by assuming Mohr-Coulomb behavior and by using a numerical approach based on the discrete element method (DEM). According to this method, soil and/or rock are represented by an assembly of bonded particles. Particle bonds are subject to progressive weakening, and so the material weathering and removal processes are modeled. Slope instability and material movement follow the decrease of material strength in space and time with the only assumption concerning the weathering distribution within the slope. First, the case of cliffs subject to strong erosion (weathering-limited conditions) and uniform weathering was studied to compare the results of the DEM approach with the limit analysis approach. Second, transport-limited slopes subject to nonuniform slope weathering were studied. Results have been compared with experimental data and other geomorphologic models from the literature (Fisher-Lehmann and Bakker-Le Heux). The flux of material from the slope is modeled assuming degradation both in space and time. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.