Assessment of geotechnical and hydrological properties of hillslopes by means of on site and laboratory tests: a case study in Tuscany (Central Italy)

The aim of this study is to realize an in-depth characterization of geotechnical and hydrological properties of cover soils affected by landslides. In particular, an extensive geotechnical campaign, carried out by means of on site and laboratory test, was performed in correspondence of selected sites of the main soil types covering the most widespread and representative lithologies of the area test (arenaceous-marly flysch and calcareous-marly flysch). Area test (Tuscany region, Central Italy), located in correspondence of the northern Tuscan Apennine ridge and the southern hilly-mountainous sectors (Mount Amiata and Metalliferous hills), consists of alluvial plains surrounded and crossed by major mountain chains, having a relief that is dominated by hills used for agriculture. Measured geotechnical and hydrological parameters are necessary to carry out studies on the conditions of slope stability and calculate the safety factor. In situ measurements of geotechnical properties are employed to improve the assessment of the variation and uncertainty affecting these parameters.