Modeling Permafrost Instabilities

Mechanical modeling of rock slope instabilities in permafrost

In partnership with the Permafrost group at WSL/SLF (Dr. Marcia Phillips and Dr. Robert Kenner), we are engaged in the development of rock mechanical models. These models aim to provide a deeper comprehension of the underlying factors driving deep-seated rock slope instabilities in high Alpine regions, along with the mechanisms that lead to their failure. Our research investigates the processes that unfold, beginning with the weakening of the rock structure and advancing through the initiation of destabilization, ultimately leading to the catastrophic failure of rock slopes.
Through the utilization of thermomechanical models, we explore the intricate effects of the current hydrogeological and thermomechanical characteristics of rock masses on slope stability. Our comprehensive approach involves numerical simulations, meticulous collection of detailed field data from intriguing case studies in the Swiss Alps, and dedicated laboratory experiments.