Learning objectives
Aim of the course is to supply slope stability fundamentals with particular reference to the triggering phase.
The course, firstly, gives basic knowledge on the more widely applied identification and classification methods available in literature. Methods devoted to evaluate slope stability conditions are then considered.
In particular, limit equilibrium methods (LEM) are developed considering the different developments of LEM methods according to the different kinematics events of slopes.
Mechanical parameters and shear strength criterion for soils and rocks are studied with particular reference to slope stability analysis and to the LEM applications.
Rock falls phenomena are also considered outlining methods to evaluate both the triggering and the evolution phases.
The following subjects are analysed in the slope stability course:
• Slope instability classification methods;
• Soil and rock mechanical classification methods for slope stability analysis;
• Analysis of the limit equilibrium methods;
• Slope stability hazard and risk zonation fundamentals.
The course starts from the description of the instability phenomena of both natural and artificial slopes considering the different kinematics that can be identified on both soil and rock slopes.
Then the course deals with the aspects of basic rock and soil engineering, classification and identification of instability phenomena and definition of the basic concept of slope engineering such as factor of safety, stability analysis in static and dynamic field, shear strength and hydraulic of porous media.
Further more, few concept of rock mechanics are recalled, such as discontinuities survey, shear strength of discontinuities and hydraulic flow in fractured media.
These themes are dealt with in the light of rock slope stability analysis, considering statistical methodologies for the evaluation of the response of an on site survey. The scale effect is also taken into account and discussed.
Few consideration of soil mechanics are also foreseen, particularly in the soil characterization and underground hydraulics field.
The knowledge acquired during this course will allow the students to develop a geomechanical model of the examined mass, able to identify and draw the attention to the geometric and structural features and to the potential instability phenomenon.
During the course several verification methodology are presented and discussed, as well as, several different models and their possible risk.
The course comes to an end with the study of methodologies aimed at the evaluation, zomation and mitigation of the danger and, therefore, of the risk.