Geological characterization and stability analysis for Salerno test site

Landslides are one of the most critical natural hazards in the world and can be extremely destructive. Campania region (southern Italy) is particularly susceptible to these phenomena, in particular to the flowslides, due to the presence of pyroclastic deposits, related to the eruption of volcanic complexes (Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields), on steep slopes made of carbonate or volcanic bedrock.

This study deals with experimental site in Salerno; it was chosen as it is geologically and geotechnically representative of the Lattari Mts, an area historically affected by this type of landslides. Furthermore, this choice allows for bridging the knowledge gap on these landslides between the northern slope, which has been extensively studied, and the southern slope, which has been less investigated.

This study proposes the geological characterization of the site through a multidisciplinary approach integrating boreholes, thickness logs and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys; it is possible to define the stratigraphic section of the area and to determine the pyroclastic thickness, information that will then be crucial for a slope stability analysis.

In addition, the site will be equipped for the measurement and monitoring of soil hydraulic parameters (suction and volumetric water content), as they are preparatory factors for the triggering of these landslides. In fact, continuous monitoring of hydraulic and mechanical soil parameters is an important tool to improve the Early Warning Systems (EWS) and, thus, the risk mitigation.

Finally, preliminary results of UAV remote sensing data, using thermal and multispectral cameras, will be shown to estimate the hydraulic soil parameters measured in situ.