Back-Analysis of the Post-Failure Stage of a Landslide Using the Material Point Method

In the present study, the material point method (MPM) is used to carry out a back-analysis of the post-failure stage of the Senise landslide that occurred in Southern Italy, in 1986. To this end, the final geometry of the landslide detected just after the event and the magnitude of the observed displacements of the landslide body are compared to those provided by the numerical simulations. The predicted configuration of the displaced soil mass matches the measured one very well when two slip surfaces, evidenced by the installed inclinometers, are accounted for in the analysis. In addition, the best agreement between observation and prediction is gained when the minimum values of the soil strength parameters determined experimentally are assumed. The present study proves that an appropriate analysis of the post-failure stage can lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanical processes of landslides, and help in establishing the most effective measures for land protection.