The Role of Slope Geometry on Flowslide Occurrence

The paper reports a study aimed to the prediction of susceptibility to flowslide of granular soil slopes as a consequence of the in situ state of stress. In particular, the slope geometry has been investigated as a factor influencing the initial state of stress. For this purpose the results of numerical models, performed by a finite different approach (FLAC), allowed the complete definition, in any point of the slope, of the stress conditions by changing slope height and inclination. By relating this state of stress to parameters used to describe potential for liquefaction of loose granular soils a chart of instability has been set up.