Geomechanical characterization and analysis of a landslide in calcschist

This paper reports the results obtained in a study on an old, presently inactive, landslide which developed in a calcschist bedrock, near an inhabited zone. The sliding phenomenon conforms to the rock mass structure as the sliding surface is shaped by schistosity joints. The geometrical and mechanical characteristics of schistosity joints are evaluated by means of an in situ survey and laboratory testing. The experimental results and static analysis (limit equilibrium method and stress analysis) allow one to infer the shear strength parameters that are representative of in situ joints. This characterisation is then used to estimate thc static condition of a ground mass that is larger than the landslide itself and which extends uphill to the inhabited zone.