Coupled hydro-mechanical modelling of soil–vegetation–atmosphere interaction in natural clay slopes

Soil–vegetation–atmosphere interaction has long been known to induce significant pore pressure variations at shallow depths and associated superficial slope movements. Recent findings suggest that the effect of this may also extend large in natural clay slopes. Multiple examples weather-induced deep landslide mechanisms can be found Southern Apennines (Italy), where slopes are often formed fissured clays. The relationship between activity these landslides hydro-mechanical processes due soil–vegetation–atmosphere was investigated herein by means a two-dimensional coupled finite element analysis. A constitutive model capable simulating behaviour highly overconsolidated clays, both saturated unsaturated states, adopted analysis, conjunction with boundary condition reproducing combined effects rainfall infiltration, evapo-transpiration, run-off. results analysis corroborate connection weather conditions, variations, movements importance adequately geological history define its current state is demonstrated.