The Importance of Rock Mass Damage in the Kinematics of Landslides

The stability and kinematics of rock slopes are widely considered to be functions lithological, structural, environmental features. Conversely, slope damage features often overlooked as byproducts deformation. This paper analyzes discusses the potential role damage, its time-dependent nature, control on both their kinematics. analysis several major landslides unstable slopes, combined with a literature survey, shows that can play an important in controlling short- long-term stability. Seasonal continuously active events cause permanent deformation within due accumulation features, including mass dilation intact fracturing. Rock quality, lithology, scale characteristics complexity well failure mechanism. authors propose should always analysis, integrated characterization–monitoring–numerical modelling approach enhance our understanding evolution, factors. Finally, it is emphasized there currently lack guidelines or frameworks for quantitative assessment classification which requires multidisciplinary combining mechanics, geomorphology, engineering geology, remote sensing, geophysics.