Mechanics and velocity of large landslides

摘要

Already some years ago, the Joint Technical Committee on Landslides — JTC-1 of the three international societies ISSMGE, ISRM and IAEG expressed its concern related to the practical and mechanical solutions available to express the variation of velocity of large landslides that can represent a major hazard. In other terms, the main question was: What is the mechanics that can explain the behaviour of different types of large landslides and what are the factors that influence the variation of their velocity, so as to assess their future behaviour? Of course this question, that is indeed multiple if the different types of landslides are considered, should lead to the formulation of research and development needs so as to orientate the necessary future investigations in a coordinated way and to foster collaboration between researchers.