A multidisciplinary approach for rock spreading and block sliding investigation in the north-western coast of Malta

Mantovani, Matteo; Devoto, Stefano; Forte, Emanuele; Mocnik, Arianna; Pasuto, Alessandro; Piacentini, Daniela; Soldati, Mauro

doi:10.1007/s10346-012-0347-3

Cited by 75 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…9), facilitates the mobilization of portions of massive evaporitic rock over the less competent lithologies, following an undefined basal shear surface. Similar behaviour has been pointed out in analogous study areas before , Mantovani, et al 2013. Therefore, the geomorphological, lithological and structural evidences point to the existence of a rock spreading landslide, which has been amplified by the loss of lateral support due to recent rockfall occurrence.…”

Section: Interpretation and Synthesissupporting

confidence: 83%

“…This type of landslide typically develops on slopes formed by a soft and ductile material capped by a fragile rock mass (e.g. Elorza and Gutiérrez Santolalla 1998, Gutiérrez-Santolalla et al 2012, Mantovani, et al 2013. Additionally, the delimitation of the massive gypsum blocks by subvertical crack J3 that presents an orientation 18/79, parallel to the free face of the slope (Fig.…”

Section: Interpretation and Synthesismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Neither an earthquake nor rainfall was recognized in the previous days to these events, and therefore, the trigger of these events is attributed to the natural dynamics of the rock spreading. Actually, it is well known that despite the low displacement rate of rock spreadings, they can induce hazardous, collateral, faster landslides as topples and rockfalls, mainly on edges of the mobilized rock mass that are not confined laterally (Delgado et al 2011, Mantovani, et al 2013. Additionally, some authors suggest that rockfalls can potentially be considered as precursory behaviour prior to a larger slope failure or landslide (e.g.…”

Section: Interpretation and Synthesismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The multitechnique approach, which consists of the integration of information obtained from different techniques, has been successfully applied to the study of many landslides (e.g. Ausilio and Zimmaro 2016, Crosta et al 2014, Hürlimann et al 2006, Mantovani et al 2013, Merritt et al 2014, Naudet et al 2008, Sass et al 2008, Travelletti et al 2013, Travelletti and Malet 2012. As the geometry of bedrock, internal layers and sliding surface of landslides govern their mechanism and displacement pattern (Travelletti and Malet 2012), geological, hydrological, geophysical and geotechnical instrumentation for monitoring are frequently combined for the characterization of this gravitational process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A multidisciplinary approach for the investigation of a rock spreading on an urban slope

et al. 2017

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Landslides are very complex processes controlled by multiple factors. The knowledge and characterization of these factors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and kinematics of the instabilities and for an efficient design of corrective measures. The aim of this work is to combine traditional geological and geotechnical techniques with geophysical, remote sensing and forensic techniques for obtaining a whole picture of an active lateral spreading affecting the Finestrat municipality in Alicante, SE Spain. Geomorphological, geotechnical and geophysical techniques (i.e. ground penetrating radar and refraction seismic) have provided essential information about the geometry, structure and petro-physical properties of the slope. A Terrestrial Laser Scanner was used for recognizing the most important sets of discontinuities affecting the rock mass and to evaluate the activity of the landslide slope. Complementarily, a forensic analysis of the building damage completed the available datasets, yielding very useful kinematic information of the landslide. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the stability of the rock slope has been performed considering both block toppling and block sliding models. Therefore, the multisource analysis performed in this work has allowed the identification and characterization of a complex lateral spreading, highlighting its effectiveness for a comprehensive understanding of this type of landslide.

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Section: Interpretation and Synthesissupporting

confidence: 83%

Section: Interpretation and Synthesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Interpretation and Synthesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A multidisciplinary approach for the investigation of a rock spreading on an urban slope

et al. 2017

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“…In some cases, the spreading can evolve into the complete fragmentation of the slab (Conti and Tosatti 1996). Examples of this process can be recognized, for example, in the Maltese archipelago (Mantovani et al 2013) and at Cinque Torri (Eastern Alps, Italy, Viero et al 2010). The phenomena have been widely studied by several Authors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Back Analysis of the 2014 San Leo Landslide Using Combined Terrestrial Laser Scanning and 3D Distinct Element Modelling

et al. 2015

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Landslides of the lateral spreading type, involving brittle geological units overlying ductile terrains, are a common occurrence in the sandstone and limestone plateaux of the northern Apennines of Italy. The edges of these plateaux are often the location of rapid landslide phenomena, such as rock slides, rock falls and topples. In this paper we present a back-analysis of a recent landslide (February 2014), involving the north-eastern sector of the San Leo rock slab (northern Apennines, Emilia-Romagna Region) which is a representative example of this type of phenomena. The aquifer hosted in the fractured slab, due to its relatively higher secondary permeability in comparison to the lower clayey units leads to the development of perennial and ephemeral springs at the contact between the two units. The related piping erosion phenomena, together with slope processes in the clayshales have led to the progressive undermining of the slab, eventually predisposing large-scale landslides. Stability analyses were conducted coupling Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Distinct Element Methods (DEMs). TLS point clouds were analyzed to determine the pre-and post-failure geometry, the extension of the detachment area and the joint network characteristics. The block dimensions in the landslide deposit were mapped and used to infer the spacing of the discontinuities for insertion into the numerical model. Threedimensional distinct element simulations were conducted, with and without undermining of the rock slab. The analyses allowed an assessment of the role of the undermining, together with the presence of an almost vertical joint set, striking sub-parallel to the cliff orientation, on the development of the slope instability processes. Based on the TLS and on the numerical simulation results, an interpretation of the landslide mechanism is proposed.

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The Spectacular Landslide-Controlled Landscape of the Northwestern Coast of Malta

Soldati

Devoto

Prampolini

et al. 2019

World Geomorphological Landscapes

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A multidisciplinary approach for rock spreading and block sliding investigation in the north-western coast of Malta

Cited by 75 publications

References 22 publications

A multidisciplinary approach for the investigation of a rock spreading on an urban slope

A multidisciplinary approach for the investigation of a rock spreading on an urban slope

Back Analysis of the 2014 San Leo Landslide Using Combined Terrestrial Laser Scanning and 3D Distinct Element Modelling

The Spectacular Landslide-Controlled Landscape of the Northwestern Coast of Malta

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