Lessons learned from deep-seated landslides activated by tunnel excavation

The interaction between deep-seated landslides and infrastructure facilities is a topic of relevant interest in the rock mechanics literature. This paper discusses the case of deep-seated landslides reactivated during excavation of two large twin tunnels in Italy, with an overview of the geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical conditions. The efforts made in order to gain an understanding of the complexities involved and the necessary quantification of the stability problems during tunnel excavation are presented in each case. Two- and three-dimensional numerical modelling methods, used as a means to back-analyze the reactivated landslide and the interaction with the tunnels, are discussed. It is shown how modelling associated with advanced real-time monitoring may contribute to the understanding of the problems under study.