AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main purpose of the module is to provide the fundamental concepts about landslide classification, investigation, mapping and monitoring and on the basic approaches to assess slope stability and landslide susceptibility at different spatial scales. Students will acquire theoretical and practical skills to apply in the framework of landslide risk mitigation.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims at providing the fundamental concepts about slope stability and landslide hazard. At the end of the course, the student gains the following knowledge and skills:

- comprehend and recognize the main factors driving the occurrence of landslides;

- identify and characterize landslide mechanisms;

- define the most appropriate landslide investigation and monitoring techniques;

- select and apply the most suitable basic approaches for landslide susceptibility analysis and mapping;

- learn the basic approaches to deal with landslide risk mitigation issues;

- acquire a correct terminology to be used in the field of landslide investigation.

TEACHING METHODS

The module is based on lectures, tutorials and case histories. Lectures are performed through multimedia presentations.

Attendance of the lectures is recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The module deals with the following topics:

- Characterization of landslide types and processes: landslide mechanisms and landslide classification.

- Landslide predisposing and triggering factors.

- Landslide kinematic and activity, slope failure evolution.

- Landslide investigation, detection and mapping.

- Slope monitoring.

- Basic principles of slope stability.

- Definition of landslide hazard, landslide susceptibility and landslide risk.

- Methods for landslide susceptibility assessment and zoning in relation to different spatial scales.

- Landslide risk reduction strategies.

- Basic notions of landslide stabilization and mitigation measures.

This module also contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda: Objectives no. 4, 13, and 15.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Learning material provided during the class and available on AulaWeb.

- Supplementary learning material made available on AulaWeb.

- Lu N., Godt J. W. (2013) - Hillslope hydrology and stability. Cambridge University Press.

- Clague J.J, Stead D. (2012) -Landslides - Types, Mechanisms and Modeling. Cambridge University Press.

- Cruden, D. M. (1993) - The multilingual landslide glossary. The International Geotechnical Societies UNESCO Working Party for World Landslide Inventory, 5.

- Highland, L., & Bobrowsky, P. T. (2008) - The landslide handbook: a guide to understanding landslides (p. 129). Reston: US Geological Survey.

- Hungr, O., Leroueil, S., & Picarelli, L. (2014) - The Varnes classification of landslide types, an update. Landslides, 11(2), 167-194.

- Settles, E., Göttle, A., & Von Poschinger, A. (2008) - Slope monitoring methods-a state of the art report. ClimChalp Interreg III B Alpine Space -Work package, 6.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons timetable is available at the following link: https://courses.unige.it/10553/p/students-timetable

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test based on three main questions on the topics dealt with during the module.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Prof. Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), the disability liaison for the Engineering study programs

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam along with the degree of in-depth analysis of each topics will be provided during the lessons.

The oral examination is aimed at verifying acquired knowledge and comprehension of subjects covered within the module as well as the student's capability to address simple issues related to landslide identification and charactrization, slope stability analsyis, landslide susceptibility assessment and landslide risk mitigation. The level of student's ability to present, with the correct use of technical terminology, and the level of critical reasoning will be also evaluated.