Mechanics of Landslides with Non-Circular Slip Surfaces with Special Reference to the Vaiont Slide

Synopsis After a summary of the data relating to the Monte Tot (Vaiont) landslide some hypotheses of its possible development are presented. First its limit equilibrium is analysed. Then the transformation of the rock body into a mechanism in the course of plastic flow is explained by supposing a gap or cavity to have developed along the curved section of the slip surface. The occurrence of such a gap at another site is reported. The assumption of the gap helps to explain the sudden unexpected collapse of the slope. Apres le resume des donnees caracteristiques sur le glissement de terre de Mont Tot (Vaiont) quelques hypotheses concernant son developpement sent presentees. D'abord son equilibre limite est analyse. Puis la transformation du corps de la masse rocheuse en mecanisme au tours de la fluage plastique est expliquee en supposant qu'une cavite se developpait le long de la section courbee de la surface de glissement. La decouverte d'une cavite de ce genre sur un autre emplacement est decrite. La supp...