Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy)
Deep gravitational slope deformations (DsGSDs) are a geological and engineering challenge with important implications for slope stability, the reliability of existing infrastructures, land use and, above all, the safety of settlements. This paper focuses on the DsGSD phenomenon that affects a large...
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2025-04-01
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| author | Massimo Mangifesta Paolo Ciampi Leonardo Maria Giannini Carlo Esposito Gianni Scalella Nicola Sciarra |
| author_facet | Massimo Mangifesta Paolo Ciampi Leonardo Maria Giannini Carlo Esposito Gianni Scalella Nicola Sciarra |
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| description | Deep gravitational slope deformations (DsGSDs) are a geological and engineering challenge with important implications for slope stability, the reliability of existing infrastructures, land use and, above all, the safety of settlements. This paper focuses on the DsGSD phenomenon that affects a large part of the Borrano hamlet, located in the municipality of Civitella del Tronto (Abruzzo Region, Central Italy). This instability is characterized by slow movements of large volumes of material. The main factors initiating deformations are a combination of geological and hydrogeological aspects. These factors include the complex local stratigraphy, composed of pelitic and arenaceous facies at high slope dip angles, and extreme natural events such as heavy rainfall and earthquakes. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach integrating in field activities such as remote-controlled surface monitoring (clinometers and strain gauges), in-depth monitoring (inclinometers and piezometers), aero-photogrammetric analysis and numerical modelling. These techniques permitted us to characterize the evolution of the slope and to identify both the critical sliding surfaces and the mechanisms governing the ground movements. Soil deformations were mainly observed in the central zone of the hamlet. Significant deformations were recorded along planes of weakness at depth between arenaceous and pelitic materials. These planes represent contact zones between the clayey–marly facies, characterized by low strength, and the arenaceous facies, characterized by higher stiffness, creating a mechanical contrast that favours the development of large deformations. The numerical analyses confirmed good correlation with the monitoring data, revealing in detail the instability of both local and territorial processes. The 3D numerical analysis showed how the movements are controlled by planes of weakness, highlighting the key rule of geological discontinuities. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ccc20d6bde1d46778b05417d3f11f04d |
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| spelling | doaj-art-ccc20d6bde1d46778b05417d3f11f04d2025-08-20T03:13:49ZengMDPI AGGeosciences2076-32632025-04-0115413410.3390/geosciences15040134Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy)Massimo Mangifesta0Paolo Ciampi1Leonardo Maria Giannini2Carlo Esposito3Gianni Scalella4Nicola Sciarra5Department of Sciences, Gabriele D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, ItalyDepartment of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, ItalySpecial Office for the Reconstruction—Earthquake 2016 Extraordinary Commissary, Bureau of the Council of Ministers, 00187 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Sciences, Gabriele D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, ItalyDeep gravitational slope deformations (DsGSDs) are a geological and engineering challenge with important implications for slope stability, the reliability of existing infrastructures, land use and, above all, the safety of settlements. This paper focuses on the DsGSD phenomenon that affects a large part of the Borrano hamlet, located in the municipality of Civitella del Tronto (Abruzzo Region, Central Italy). This instability is characterized by slow movements of large volumes of material. The main factors initiating deformations are a combination of geological and hydrogeological aspects. These factors include the complex local stratigraphy, composed of pelitic and arenaceous facies at high slope dip angles, and extreme natural events such as heavy rainfall and earthquakes. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach integrating in field activities such as remote-controlled surface monitoring (clinometers and strain gauges), in-depth monitoring (inclinometers and piezometers), aero-photogrammetric analysis and numerical modelling. These techniques permitted us to characterize the evolution of the slope and to identify both the critical sliding surfaces and the mechanisms governing the ground movements. Soil deformations were mainly observed in the central zone of the hamlet. Significant deformations were recorded along planes of weakness at depth between arenaceous and pelitic materials. These planes represent contact zones between the clayey–marly facies, characterized by low strength, and the arenaceous facies, characterized by higher stiffness, creating a mechanical contrast that favours the development of large deformations. The numerical analyses confirmed good correlation with the monitoring data, revealing in detail the instability of both local and territorial processes. The 3D numerical analysis showed how the movements are controlled by planes of weakness, highlighting the key rule of geological discontinuities.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/15/4/134deep gravitational slope deformationssite surveystwo- and three-dimensional slope stabilityinclinometric monitoring |
| spellingShingle | Massimo Mangifesta Paolo Ciampi Leonardo Maria Giannini Carlo Esposito Gianni Scalella Nicola Sciarra Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy) Geosciences deep gravitational slope deformations site surveys two- and three-dimensional slope stability inclinometric monitoring |
| title | Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy) |
| title_full | Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy) |
| title_fullStr | Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy) |
| title_short | Deep Gravitational Slope Deformation Numerical Modelling Supported by Integrated Geognostic Surveys: The Case of Borrano (Abruzzo Region—Central Italy) |
| title_sort | deep gravitational slope deformation numerical modelling supported by integrated geognostic surveys the case of borrano abruzzo region central italy |
| topic | deep gravitational slope deformations site surveys two- and three-dimensional slope stability inclinometric monitoring |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/15/4/134 |
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