A model for a disrupted mass movement process simulation. A comparison against the infinite slope method

Abstract

As an option against typical methods for slope stability analysis, this paper implements a procedure to model material flows from continuum mechanics (Eulerian approach), proposed by Iverson and Denlinger [1]. This methodology involves the behavior of a Newtonian fluid-and-solid mixture whose friction interaction is denoted by the Coulomb law. The momentum equation is simplified in such a way that generates an analytic solution, which was used to perform a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis shows the most relevant parameters in the model, i.e. slope angle, bedrock friction angle and pore pressure fraction, which govern the slope stability. As a further advantage compared against typical methods of slope stability based on limit equilibrium, the method implemented takes into account not only the field deformation mode but the safety factor, and most importantly, calculates the speed of the sliding mass and distance covered. The results may be used as a partial input to assess both hazard and vulnerability probabilistic of infrastructure impacted by a disrupted material flow.