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Numerical stability analysis of submerged slopes subject to rapid sedimentation processes

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Abstract

In this paper, the stability of infinitely long submerged slopes subject to rapid sedimentation processes is theoretically/numerically investigated. In particular, rapid deposition is considered as a potential triggering factor for static liquefaction in inclined loose sand layers. The corresponding initial boundary value problem is numerically analysed by employing a one-dimensional finite difference scheme in conjunction with two distinct versions of the same constitutive model—elasto-plastic and elasto-viscoplastic (EV). The EV approach is shown to be the most suitable for describing the onset of liquefaction phenomena, since its mathematical well-posedness and numerical stability are never lost. The results of parametric analyses for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous strata are critically discussed in the light of some case history data concerning natural and anthropic sedimentation processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy

    Claudio di Prisco & Federico Pisanò

  2. Rocksoil S.p.A., Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy

    Luca Mancinelli

  3. Alpina Engineering S.p.A., Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy

    Letizia Zanelotti

Authors
  1. Claudio di Prisco
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  2. Luca Mancinelli
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  3. Letizia Zanelotti
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  4. Federico Pisanò
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Claudio di Prisco.

Additional information

Communicated by Angela Madeo and Francois Nicot.

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di Prisco, C., Mancinelli, L., Zanelotti, L. et al. Numerical stability analysis of submerged slopes subject to rapid sedimentation processes. Continuum Mech. Thermodyn. 27, 157–172 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00161-014-0344-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00161-014-0344-y

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