Task 1: Landslide Database
Subtask 1.1: Identification of the suitable landslides in Switzerland (Caprez, Sterba).
This subtask will involve an extensive literature review and interviews with canton engineers. This will allow for the long and thin landslides, suitable for the simplified analysis, to be identified. Availability of the monitoring data is also an important factor for this identification.
Subtask 1.2: Development of the database of the monitored data (Sterba, Rabaiotti)
For the landslides identified in Subtask 1.1 we are planning to collect all the available geotechnical and monitoring information and put it in a form of a database. This will allow for the landslides to be compared and classified. Based on this classification, one or two representative landslides will be selected for the focused research.
Subtask 1.3: Development of the complementary monitoring program (Sterba, Puzrin)
For the selected landslides, the existing monitoring and geotechnical information will be assessed. If this existing information is not sufficient for the analysis, a complementary monitoring and site investigation program will be proposed. The soil stiffness in sub horizontal direction is likely to be the missing parameter and will be determined using the novel IGT pressure meter.
Task 2: Inverse Analysis
Subtask 2.1: Development of the theoretical models (Puzrin)
One-dimensional visco-elasto-plastic analytical models of the type proposed by Puzrin and Sterba (2005) will be developed in order to provide mechanical understanding and achieve order-of-magnitude quantitative estimates of the observed landslide processes. Analytical models are also easier to use for inverse analysis of the observed displacements and can provide a basis for engineering design guidelines.
Subtask 2.2: Development of numerical algorithms (Puzrin, Rabaiotti)
Inverse analysis algorithms will be developed and incorporated into the Finite Element program (ABAQUS). This will allow for more complex geometries and soil conditions to be analyzed. The analytical solutions obtained in Subtask 2.1 will be used as a benchmark for the numerical analysis.
Subtask 2.3: Analysis of the landslides from the database (Rabaiotti)
The selected landslides from the database will be analyzed using analytical and numerical models. As a result of this analysis we expect to reach certain conclusions with respect to the effects of different environmental factors on the long-term landslide displacements and stability. However, in order to reach definitive conclusions, additional long-term observations may be required.
Task 3: Monitoring Optimization
Subtask 3.1: Development of the optimization algorithms (Puzrin, Rabaiotti)
The algorithm will be developed to optimize the number and location of the displacement monitoring and pressure meter test points along the landslide in order to achieve reliable and yet cost-effective analysis.
Subtask 3.2: Development of the monitoring recommendations (Puzrin, Sterba)
As a result of the above optimization, recommendations will be suggested for site investigation, monitoring and analysis of the existing and new landslides. This will allow for the future monitoring procedures of the slope displacements to be optimized in terms of acquisition of the necessary information at the minimum cost.
Subtask 3.3: Recommendations for road construction and operation (Caprez)
The specific transportation oriented recommendations will be suggested with respect to analyzing effects of the road construction and operation on the landslide evolution. This could lead to considerable savings in the road design, construction and maintenance costs.
