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A thermo-mechanical numerical approach for the analysis of a historical rockslide in the Italian Alps

2021; IOP Publishing; Volume: 833; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1088/1755-1315/833/1/012099

1755-1307

Andrea Morcioni, Tiziana Apuani, Francesco Cecinato,

Rock Mechanics and Modeling

Abstract In this work, a thermo-mechanical (TM) numerical approach is presented and applied to investigate the stress-strain evolution of an alpine rock-slope located in the Central Italian Alps (Sondrio Province). Along the “Cimaganda” slope a massive rockslide event occurred around 900 A.D. mobilizing an estimated volume of 7.5 Mm 3 of material, and reaching the bottom of the valley. Interest in this historic event was raised again in recent times, as a new rockslide took place in 2012, mobilizing 20.000 m 3 of rock material and blocking the SS36 National Road. To understand the general evolution of the Cimaganda rock slope, the recent geomorphological history of the Valley (post Last Glacial Maximum) was considered. In particular, to explore how glacial loading and unloading, associated with thermo-mechanical processes can promote rock mass damage, a 2D DEM numerical approach was adopted, calibrated upon the collected experimental and field data, and supported by a 2D FEM analysis to simulate transient heat diffusion over the Valley cross-section due to ice retreat and paleo-temperature evolution. Results show a clear relation between TM stresses and the occurrence of rock-mass damage and slip propagation along discontinuities. Simulated displacement and the development of a deep region of shear strain localization, allow to highlight the significance of temperature influence in preparing the rock slope to instability.