A simple mechanical model for the interpretation of translational active landslides involving detrital covers.

The paper deals with the interpretation of slow slide mechanisms involving detrital covers, whose movements, being related to the current shear stress level, are essentially due to variations of pore water pressure regimen. The interpretation has been carried out through a simple mechanical model whose movements, on the sliding surface, are assumed of visco-plastic type. Results of computations show a satisfactory agreement with the observed behaviour of the well monitored Fosso S. Martino landslide (Italian Apennines).