The course aims at the evaluation of the stability of natural and man-made slopes, cuts and excavations. The first part of the course focuses on the identification of landslide types and processes and the causes of movement in soil and rock slopes. Particular attention is given to the role of rainfalls in landslide triggering. The second part of the course focuses on: 1) the engineering methods used to analyze slope stability for the different kinematisms; 2) the strength parameters to adopt in the analysis; 3) improvement of the safety factor

At the end of the course students should be able to: - Identify landslide kinematisms and the triggering mechanisms - Select the proper method of slope stability analysis - Select the appropriate shear strength parameters - Evaluate the degree of stability of the slope - Select mitigation and stabilization techniques

The student must know the fundamental principles of Physics I; Applied geology; Geotechnics; Geomechanics; Hydraulics.

A. Classification and description of kinematisms and causes of movement I. Natural and Artificial Slopes II. Identification and classification of slope movements III. Description of different kinematisms IV. Landslide triggering mechanisms B. Methods of stability analysis I. Numerical and Analytical methods of slope stability II. The Limit Equilibrium method: the infinite slope and the methods of slices III. Soil slope stability analysis with the Limit Equilibrium method. Drained and Undrained conditions. Shear strength parameters IV. Rock slope stability analysis with the Limit Equilibrium method: Planar failure, Wedge failure, Toppling failure V. Rockfall: factors affecting the process and analysis of motion VI. Description of some mitigation and stabilization techniques VII. Slope stability in dynamic conditions

The course is organized in theoretical lectures and practical lessons. During the practical lessons the students have to solve exercises by applying the theory explained in lectures. Two practical lessons are devoted to verify the stability of a slope with a software. Each student has to calculate the safety factor of a slope with given paramenters. A global sensitivity analysis, based on the the students' calculations is carried out.

Reference Books: • Landslides: Investigation and mitigation Transportation Research Board, National Academy Press, Washington, 1996. • Rock Slope Stability Analysis, Giani G.P., Balkema, Rotterdam, 1993 • Rock Slope Engineering, Duncan & Christopher, based on the Hoek E. & Bray J.W. 3rd ed., London, 4th edition Spon Press- Taylor & Francis Group The slides presented during lectures will be periodically uploaded on the web site of the course

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula);

Exam: Written test;

... The exam is aimed at evaluating knowledge, competences and skills acquired during the course. The student should be able to carry out stability analyses, to select strength parameters and to evaluate the effect of water pressure in a given case. The exam consists of a written test, closed books. The use of mobile phones or PDAs is not allowed during the exam. A pocket calculator is required. The test is organized as follows: - Multiple-choice questions (8/30 points). These questions are aimed at evaluating the general knowledge of the student acquired during the course - Two open questions (8/30 points). These questions, to be contained in not more than 2 A4 pages, are aimed at evaluating the ability of the student to discuss topics explained in class - Three exercises (14/30 points). The exercises are aimed at evaluating the skills of the students in solving practical problems The duration of the exam is 2 hours

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.