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Numerical Simulation of Possible Evolution Scenarios of the Rosone Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation (Italian Alps, Piedmont)

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Abstract

The large, deep-seated Rosone landslide (Western Italian Alps) has been known since the beginning of the twentieth century as an active phenomenon characterized by a slow but constant evolution. Its possible evolution, in terms of a catastrophic rock avalanche, could have serious consequences on several elements at risk, including a hydroelectric power plant. Runout estimates are needed to identify the potential impact on the territory of such an event and, when possible, to minimize hazard areas. This article analyses the evolution of three potential rock avalanche scenarios, with decreasing probability of occurrence and increasing impact on land planning. A comparison between runout results obtained by other authors and some new analyses that have been carried out with the three-dimensional continuum mechanics-based RASH3D code is made and commented on by highlighting the advantages, but also the limits, of using a more complete tool, such as RASH3D.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Dr. Ferruccio Forlati, Dr. Carlo Troisi (Regione Piemonte-Settore Prevenzione Territoriale del Rischio Geologico) and Dr. Alessio Colombo (ARPA Piemonte-Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale) for having provided the data concerning the Rosone deep-seated gravitational slope deformation.

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  1. Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129, Turin, Italy

    Marina Pirulli

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  1. Marina Pirulli
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Correspondence to Marina Pirulli.

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Pirulli, M. Numerical Simulation of Possible Evolution Scenarios of the Rosone Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation (Italian Alps, Piedmont). Rock Mech Rock Eng 49, 2373–2388 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0857-0

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