GIS-Based Deterministic Analysis of Deep-Seated Slope Stability in a Complex Geological Setting

The r.slope.stability computer model evaluates the slope stability for large areas making use of a modification of the three-dimensional sliding surface model proposed by Hovland and revised and extended by Xie and co-workers. The initial version of the model was modified both to reduce computing time (parallel processing of tiles) and to explore the possibilities to perform slope stability modelling in a complex geological setting. The model was applied to the 10 km2 Ripoli area in Umbria, central Italy to demonstrate the importance of the setting of the geological layers as well as of the seepage direction of the groundwater for the model outcome of deep-seated slope stability modelling. Parallel processing allows reducing the computing time by approx. one order of magnitude.