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An assessment of the material point method for modelling large scale run-out processes in landslides

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Abstract

This paper demonstrates the predictive capabilities of a numerical model based on continuum mechanics for the simulation of run-out processes during landslides. It assesses a particle-based method that takes advantage of a double Lagrangian-Eulerian discretization and known as the material point method (MPM). Attention is given to the post-failure behaviour and, in particular, to the computation of important quantities such as run-out distance, maximum velocity and energy release. The MPM is a step forward in computational solid mechanics and has the potential to simulate large deformations such as those occurring during landslides. A validation is conducted based on simulations of two case studies of different scales, namely the Tokai-Hokuriku expressway failure in Japan and the Vajont landslide in Italy. The results show a very good agreement with field and other numerical observations.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Education Personnel (CAPES), the Brazilian Research Council (CNPq) and the Australian Research Council (project DE120100163).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, Brazil

    Marcelo A. Llano-Serna & Márcio M. Farias

  2. School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Dorival M. Pedroso

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  1. Marcelo A. Llano-Serna
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  2. Márcio M. Farias
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  3. Dorival M. Pedroso
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Correspondence to Marcelo A. Llano-Serna.

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Llano-Serna, M.A., Farias, M.M. & Pedroso, D.M. An assessment of the material point method for modelling large scale run-out processes in landslides. Landslides 13, 1057–1066 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-015-0664-4

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