Continuum modelling of flow-like landslides is a possible approach that can be adopted to simulate landslide instability, and the transition to catastrophic failure up to flow development. Models based on continuum mechanics and associated with different rheological models are usually preferred to predict landslide runout and relevant parameters. A finite element method approach is here presented and contrasts previous research where depth-averaged equivalent-fluid approaches were adopted. We developed a 2D/3D finite element code to analyse slope stability and to model runout of mass movements characterised by very large displacements. Different material laws already known, tested and verified for granular materials have been implemented. Materials laws include classical elasto-plasticity, with a linear elastic part and different applicable yield surfaces with associated and non-associated flow rules. A series of simulations has been performed. The effects of different morphological conditions have been simulated to understand processes close to obstacles, both deformable and perfectly rigid, or of trough shaped profiles where accumulation is favoured. Mohr-Coulomb, Drucker-Prager, von Mises models with or without strain softening have been adopted for the granular materials. Results for Mohr-Coulomb material are presented and demonstrate the capability of this approach and the relevance of internal deformation within the flowing material.
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