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Mature vs. Active Deep-Seated Landslides: A Comparison Through Two Case Histories in the Alps

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Abstract

Two case histories are presented, concerning the still poorly known alpine deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSD) located nearby Lanzada (central Italian Alps), and Sarre (north-western Italian Alps). The Lanzada DSD is a constantly monitored, juvenile, and active phenomenon, partly affecting an existing hydropower plant. Its well-developed landforms allow a precise field characterization of the instability-affected area. The Sarre DSD is a mature, strongly remodeled phenomenon, where the only hazard factor is represented by secondary instability processes at the base of the slope. In this case, the remodeling imposed the adoption of complementary analytical techniques to support the field work. The two presented studies had to be adapted to external factors, namely (a) available information, (b) geological and geomorphological setting, and (c) final scope of the work. The Lanzada case essentially relied upon accurate field work; the Sarre case was mostly based on digital image and DTM processing. In both cases a sound field structural analysis formed the necessary background to understand the mechanisms leading to instability. A back-analysis of the differences between the study methods adopted in the two cases is finally presented, leading to suggestions for further investigations and design.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the hydropower company ENEL S.p.A. and its responsible Mr. Marco Blandino, for giving us permission to present the Lanzada case history and to summarize a short synthesis of the company’s archive data. The staff from the Lanzada power plant, in particular Mr. Mauro Scamozzi, supported us during the field work phase, and made sure every day that everyone returned unharmed. As for the Sarre DSD, the Regione Valle d’Aosta, Department of Public Works and Land Protection, represented by its responsible Mrs. Sara Ratto and Mrs. Evelyne Navillod, kindly gave us the permission to present the results of our study. All data concerning the Sarre area are used under regional licenses nr. 1316/2009.03.20 (topographic maps) and nr. 2617/2011.06.17 (digital data). Finally, Mr. Andrew Zarrillo from Santa Rosa (CA) patiently revised the text and gave us precious suggestions to make it clearer.

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Delle Piane, L., Perello, P., Baietto, A. et al. Mature vs. Active Deep-Seated Landslides: A Comparison Through Two Case Histories in the Alps. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49, 2189–2216 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-016-0919-y

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