In this work, we apply a physically based model, namely the HIRESSS (HIgh REsolution Slope Stability Simulator) model, to forecast the occurrence of shallow landslides at the regional scale. HIRESSS is a physically based distributed slope stability simulator for analyzing shallow landslide triggering conditions during a rainfall event. The modeling software is made up of two parts: hydrological and geotechnical. The hydrological model is based on an analytical solution from an approximated form of the Richards equation, while the geotechnical stability model is based on an infinite slope model that takes the unsaturated soil condition into account. The test area is a portion of the Aosta Valley region, located in the northwest of the Alpine mountain chain. The geomorphology of the region is characterized by steep slopes with elevations ranging from 400ma.s.l. on the Dora Baltea River's floodplain to 4810ma.s.l. at Mont Blanc. In the study area, the mean annual precipitation is about 800–900mm. These features make the territory very prone to landslides, mainly shallow rapid landslides and rockfalls. In order to apply the model and to increase its reliability, an in-depth study of the geotechnical and hydrological properties of hillslopes controlling shallow landslide formation was conducted. In particular, two campaigns of on site measurements and laboratory experiments were performed using 12 survey points. The data collected contributed to the generation of an input map of parameters for the HIRESSS model. In order to consider the effect of vegetation on slope stability, the soil reinforcement due to the presence of roots was also taken into account; this was done based on vegetation maps and literature values of root cohesion. The model was applied using back analysis for two past events that affected the Aosta Valley region between 2008 and 2009, triggering several fast shallow landslides. The validation of the results, carried out using a database of past landslides, provided good results and a good prediction accuracy for the HIRESSS model from both a temporal and spatial point of view.

Application of a physically based model to forecast shallow landslides at a regional scale / Salvatici T.; Tofani V.; Rossi G.; D'Ambrosio M.; Tacconi Stefanelli C.; Masi E. B.; Rosi A.; Pazzi V.; Vannocci P.; Petrolo M.; Catani F.; Ratto S.; Stevenin H.; Casagli N.. - In: NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES. - ISSN 1684-9981. - STAMPA. - 18(7):(2018), pp. 1919-1935. [10.5194/nhess-18-1919-2018]

Application of a physically based model to forecast shallow landslides at a regional scale

Salvatici T.;Tofani V.;Rossi G.;D'Ambrosio M.;Tacconi Stefanelli C.;Masi E. B.;Rosi A.;Pazzi V.;Vannocci P.;Petrolo M.;Catani F.;Casagli N.
2018

Abstract

In this work, we apply a physically based model, namely the HIRESSS (HIgh REsolution Slope Stability Simulator) model, to forecast the occurrence of shallow landslides at the regional scale. HIRESSS is a physically based distributed slope stability simulator for analyzing shallow landslide triggering conditions during a rainfall event. The modeling software is made up of two parts: hydrological and geotechnical. The hydrological model is based on an analytical solution from an approximated form of the Richards equation, while the geotechnical stability model is based on an infinite slope model that takes the unsaturated soil condition into account. The test area is a portion of the Aosta Valley region, located in the northwest of the Alpine mountain chain. The geomorphology of the region is characterized by steep slopes with elevations ranging from 400ma.s.l. on the Dora Baltea River's floodplain to 4810ma.s.l. at Mont Blanc. In the study area, the mean annual precipitation is about 800–900mm. These features make the territory very prone to landslides, mainly shallow rapid landslides and rockfalls. In order to apply the model and to increase its reliability, an in-depth study of the geotechnical and hydrological properties of hillslopes controlling shallow landslide formation was conducted. In particular, two campaigns of on site measurements and laboratory experiments were performed using 12 survey points. The data collected contributed to the generation of an input map of parameters for the HIRESSS model. In order to consider the effect of vegetation on slope stability, the soil reinforcement due to the presence of roots was also taken into account; this was done based on vegetation maps and literature values of root cohesion. The model was applied using back analysis for two past events that affected the Aosta Valley region between 2008 and 2009, triggering several fast shallow landslides. The validation of the results, carried out using a database of past landslides, provided good results and a good prediction accuracy for the HIRESSS model from both a temporal and spatial point of view.
2018
18(7)
1919
1935
Goal 13: Climate action
Salvatici T.; Tofani V.; Rossi G.; D'Ambrosio M.; Tacconi Stefanelli C.; Masi E. B.; Rosi A.; Pazzi V.; Vannocci P.; Petrolo M.; Catani F.; Ratto S.; Stevenin H.; Casagli N.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Salvatici et al NHESS 2018.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: Articolo principale
Tipologia: Pdf editoriale (Version of record)
Licenza: Open Access
Dimensione 23.2 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
23.2 MB Adobe PDF

I documenti in FLORE sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/1130997
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 68
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 63
social impact