Characterization, modeling and remedial works for landslide in loose covers in the Alps

This study addresses the critical need for slope stabilization along a roadway that has already experienced land sliding, which is located in Coassolo Torinese region in Piemonte, Italy. Initial slope stability analyses, conducted using the Slide2 software, revealed that the existing slope conditions present a significant risk of further failures, with Factors of Safety (FoS) indicating marginal to unsafe stability levels. These findings corroborate field observations, emphasizing the urgency of implementing remedial measures. To mitigate this risk, a multi-step approach was adopted. The first phase involved a theoretical exploration of various stabilization techniques aimed at increasing the slope's stability. After careful consideration, the selected interventions and the construction of reinforced concrete retaining walls. These methods were chosen for their proven effectiveness in similar geotechnical contexts and their ability to address both the underlying and surface instability factors. In the second phase, the proposed interventions were modeled using the updated Slide2 analyses. The new models incorporated the selected techniques, along with the addition of distributed road weight to simulate real-world conditions. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in slope stability, with FoS values well above the critical threshold, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The study concludes that the integrated use of analyzed techniques and reinforced concrete walls, when correctly positioned and implemented, provides a robust solution to the slope stability issues observed. The successful modeling outcomes suggest that these interventions, once applied in the field, will effectively mitigate the landslide risk and ensure the long-term stability of the roadway.