Seismic Slope Stability Analysis of Rainfall-Induced Landslides in Sicily (Italy)

During the 2010, due to intense meteoric events, some municipalities in Sicily were affected by rainfall-induced landslides. These events caused considerable damage to structures so it was necessary to realize some stabilization works. The aim of this paper is to present the dynamic stability analysis of a hill on top of which there are three multi-storey residential buildings. An accurate geotechnical characterisation was carried out, which involved the execution of boreholes and piezometers, Down-Hole and MASW tests, inclinometer measurements and laboratory tests. It was also carried out a laser scanner survey, in order to allow an accurate reconstruction of the post-event orography. The stabilization works for the landslide risk mitigation, were realized with bulkhead micropiles anchors on multiple rows. Results of the slope stability analyses obtained by finite element codes Quake/ W and Slope/W are presented, using some synthetic seismograms, related to the Messina earthquake of December 28, 1908.