Evolution of pore water pressures at the base of rapid fine-grained material flows

The speed evolution and runout length of rapid fine-grained material flows (e.g. mudflows, quick clays) are analytically modelled by taking into account the evolution of the basal pore water pressures according to consolidation process typically affecting the involved materials, as well as their possible increments initially generated due to several phenomena (e.g. earthquakes) and during the motion due to the slope curvature coupled to undrained and oedometric conditions. The mass variations due to possible erosion or deposition processes occurring along the motion are also considered. The governing ordinary differential equation has been numerically solved. The role played by the main parameters on the kinematics of the material flows and the range of their admissible values are evaluated. The analysis and interpretation of measurements (lab and in situ) of sliding rate, runout length and pore water pressures are finally developed and carried out.