Development of methods and tools for landslide hazard and risk assessment

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The requested funding is intended to continue development and improvement of methods and tools suitable for quantitative assessment of hazards and risks from landslides. Seven potential research topics with this general goal are proposed. The topics can provide subjects for two Ph.D. and three M.A.Sc. students and for M.Eng students and visiting students during the coming 5 year period. The first proposed topic will involve the development of a general three-dimensional Limit Equilibrium method of slope stability, suitable for the assessment of slope stability involving complex, asymmetric sliding surfaces in soil or rock with special attention to external loads. The second topic will aim to improve existing models of rock fall motion and calibrate the new model so as to obtain realistic movement parameters, as required for the design of rock fences and other remedial measures. The third will adapt an existing dynamic analysis model to the simulation of flow slides involving spontaneous or earthquake liquefaction. The fourth topic will be to calibrate a model for the prediction of velocity and runout of major avalanches involving rock and glacier ice. The fifth will examine the coupling of landslide motion models with hydrodynamic tools for the prediction of landslide triggered waves. The sixth will adapt an existing 3D flow model for consideration of gradual fragmentation within a moving rock avalanche. The seventh will be a pilot study of the influence of earthquake shaking on the stability of deformed rock slopes. During the grant period I also plan to continue working on a committee developing a new landslide classification system.