Influence of man-made cuts on the stability of pyroclastic covers (Campania, southern Italy): a numerical modelling approach

Intense rainfall in May 1998 and December 1999 caused disastrous landslides in the Sarno-Quindici and Cervinara areas (Campania, southern Italy). The landslides began with slips of the local pyroclastic covers mantling the carbonate relief and then evolved into debris flows/avalanches. The study discussed in this paper used a numerical modelling approach to assess the influence of man-made cuts on the stability conditions of pyroclastic covers. The model that was developed took into account initial failure conditions in order to better simulate the impact of man-made cuts along the slopes, with or without water seepage into the permeable pumiceous layers of the pyroclastic multilayer. Numerical analysis of stress-strain field clearly showed that tracks or geomorphological discontinuities had a negative impact on the multilayer stability conditions. Consequently, preservation of this vulnerable environment requires correct forest management practices.