Roberto Giannecchini | Università di Pisa (original) (raw)

Papers by Roberto Giannecchini

Atti 9a Conferenza …, Jan 1, 2005

La valle del fiume Serchio (LU) presenta complesse problematiche connesse con l'instabilità dei v... more La valle del fiume Serchio (LU) presenta complesse problematiche connesse con l'instabilità dei versanti. Infatti, le particolari caratteristiche geologico-strutturali, geomorfologiche, meteoclimatiche e sismiche della regione causano un'alta densità di dissesto. Molteplici movimenti franosi e ampie zone con elevata suscettibilità ai dissesti determinano un'alta pericolosità di frana, a cui sono esposti i centri abitati, le infrastrutture, le aree produttive e agricole, con gravi danni economici e sociali. Questo studio sperimentale è finalizzato alla valutazione della suscettibilità di frana attraverso lo studio geologico, geomorfologico, litologico-tecnico, statistico e l'uso di tecniche GIS. Tale ricerca ricade in un più ampio progetto promosso dalla Regione Toscana e dall'APAT-Servizio Geologico Nazionale con lo scopo di definire la pericolosità di frana all'interno dell'area del foglio 250-Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (scala 1: 50.000).

Quaternary …, Jan 1, 2007

The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides ind... more The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides induced by earthquakes in the north-western sector of the Northern Apennines (Italy) are discussed. The first investigation phase was based on bibliographic records on earthquakes and landslides. This step led to the collection of 18 well documented landslides induced by seismic shocks. Up to 11 landslides were set in motion by a strong (6.5 magnitude) earthquake which struck the Tyrrhenian side of the Northern Apennines on September 7th 1920. Other landslides were triggered by earthquakes occurring in 1779, 1832, 1952, 1965, 1996 and 2003. The landslides were triggered by earthquakes ranging from 3.3 to 6.5 magnitude (IV to X MCS degrees) with epicentres of 6 to 40 km away. The earthquake-related landslides studied are mainly complex or slide-type movements. The rock types involved are prevalently calcareous flysch, clay shales and debris. In order to understand the complexity of the relat...

Natural Hazards and Earth System Science, 2006

The Apuan Alps region is one of the rainiest areas in Italy (more than 3000 mm/year)

Advances in Geosciences, 2005

The Apuan Alps are characterized by frequent heavy rainfall. In several cases this triggered many... more The Apuan Alps are characterized by frequent heavy rainfall. In several cases this triggered many shallow landslides (soil slips). With the aim of contributing to the landslide hazard evaluation of the southern Apuan Alps (upper Versilian area), a detailed analysis of the main pluviometric events was carried out. Data recorded at the main raingauge of the area from 1975 to 2002 were analysed and compared with the occurrence of soil slips, in order to examine the relationship between soil slip initiation and rainfall. Some thresholds for soil slip-debris flow activity in terms of mean intensity, duration and mean annual precipitation (MAP) were defined for the study area.

This study was carried out after the realization of numerous geomechanical analyses, finalized to... more This study was carried out after the realization of numerous geomechanical analyses, finalized to the stability analysis of rock walls during a carriageway widening in a mountainous area. With this aim, a cartography based on SMR Index of Romana was realized, through a spatial analysis of both geomechanical parameters and the distribution of the discontinuities. This approach therefore allowed the estimation of the potentially unstable zones for each area and their classification on the basis of the resulting stability degree. Such methodological approach could find an important application above all in scarcely accessible zones, where, however, a good structural homogeneity exists. This methodology was elaborated during geomechanical surveys, aimed at the realization of structural engineering works in the Middle Valley of the Serchio River. The purpose of the study consisted in the determination of the corrected profile of the slope based on the stability conditions of the rock masses and the consequent planning of eventual works as support. The data elaboration allowed the individuation of the most critical areas, prone to sliding or toppling. This study revealed particularly suitable to experimentation, because it regarded a meaningful area with spatially homogenous geological/geomechanical/structural situation. The data obtained, appropriately compared with traditional methods, showed a good degree of reliability.

The intense quarrying activities in the Carrara marble district (Apuan Alps, Italy) has led to th... more The intense quarrying activities in the Carrara marble district (Apuan Alps, Italy) has led to the formation of widespread and thick quarry waste accumulations, which lie on steep slopes and invade many valley bottoms. In this area, rainstorms often cause floods, landslides, debris flows and deaths (e.g. on September 23, 2003). This research is aimed at determining the triggering conditions of the instability involving quarry waste. Firstly, the 23 September 2003 event was analysed in order to characterize its pluviometric features and effects. Then, three quarry dumps were selected upstream of Carrara and their evolution was studied. Subsequently, geomorphologic surveying distinguished areas with different characteristics (quarry activity, landslide areas, debris flow prone areas, land use, etc.). Furthermore, several grain size analyses were performed. Finally, in order to evaluate the hydrological behaviour of the quarry waste, the discharge of a spring at the toe of a quarry dum...

The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides ind... more The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides induced by earthquakes in the north-western sector of the Northern Apennines (Italy) are discussed. The first investigation phase was based on bibliographic records on earthquakes and landslides. This step led to the collection of 18 well documented landslides induced by seismic shocks. Up to 11 landslides were set in motion by a strong (6.5 magnitude) earthquake which struck the Tyrrhenian side of the Northern Apennines on September 7th 1920. Other landslides were triggered by earthquakes occurring in 1779, 1832, 1952, 1965, 1996 and 2003. The landslides were triggered by earthquakes ranging from 3.3 to 6.5 magnitude (IV to X MCS degrees) with epicentres of 6 to 40 km away. The earthquake-related landslides studied are mainly complex or slide-type movements. The rock types involved are prevalently calcareous flysch, clay shales and debris. In order to understand the complexity of the relat...

Changing climate is often used to explain the proliferation and escalation of extreme events. In ... more Changing climate is often used to explain the proliferation and escalation of extreme events. In many cases, the climate changes, though significant, do not indicate a defined trend but may fit the normal climate cycles. On this controversial topic the scientific discussion is still open. Medium and long-term case studies suggest a change in rainfall trends and several authors individuate an apparent increase of rainstorms frequency in time. Such events have often caused landslides and floods with serious damages to territory and community. This paper summarises characteristics and main effects of the meteorological events which hit the provinces of Lucca and Pistoia in December 2009, focusing especially on their consequences on slopes. Moreover, it also describes the main characteristics of the heavy rainstorm which hit the Massa hinterland.

Rendiconti online della Società Geologica Italiana, 2015

Rendiconti online della Società Geologica Italiana, 2015

ABSTRACT On 10 November 2011 some small coastal basins of the Tigullio gulf and the middle Lavagn... more ABSTRACT On 10 November 2011 some small coastal basins of the Tigullio gulf and the middle Lavagna and Sturla valleys (eastern Liguria), were hit by an intense rainfall. Flash floods involved the city of Chiavari and shallow landslides were triggered on the slopes, causing severe damage to settlements and road network. Some buildings were destroyed and two casualties occurred at Leivi, in the lower Lavagna valley. This paper synthesizes the results of preliminary surveys carried out few days after the event in the area most affected by shallow landslides. The investigations, which are still in progress, have contributed to understand the characteristics of both triggering rainfall and landslide source areas. These achievements will be helpful in studying rainfall thresholds, shallow landslide modeling, landslide susceptibility and risk assessment for the study area.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 2012

Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 2, 2015

A very heavy rainstorm hit Eastern Liguria (Vara Valley and Cinque Terre area) and Northwestern T... more A very heavy rainstorm hit Eastern Liguria (Vara Valley and Cinque Terre area) and Northwestern Tuscany (Magra Valley) on 25 October 2011. This event produced floods and hundreds of shallow landslides, causing 13 casualties and severe damage to villages, infrastructures and roads. In the Vara Valley the Brugnato rain gauge recorded 468.8 mm in 6 h, with a maximum rainfall intensity of 143.4 mm/h. A landslide inventory map was carried out, together with a database including the main features of the source areas. At present, the database is complete for the Pogliaschina Torrent basin (Vara Valley), where at least 658 shallow landslides (mainly soil slip-debris flows and debris flows) were triggered. The shallow landslides induced by the 25 October 2011 event were analysed, together with geological, geomorphological and land use features of their source areas, with the aim of identifying common triggering conditions. This paper shows preliminary results of the comparison between the landslide inventory and the main slope features of the Pogliaschina Torrent basin.

Landslide Science and Practice, 2013

ISPRA and Tuscany Region Administration recently funded a project aimed at assessing and mapping ... more ISPRA and Tuscany Region Administration recently funded a project aimed at assessing and mapping landslide hazard of the area of the n. 250 "Castelnuovo di Garfagnana" map (1:50,000 scale). The area includes the upper Serchio River basin (Tuscany, Italy) and exhibits peculiar geological and geomorphological features and severe climatic conditions, which cause high landslide hazard. The project proceeded as follows: -1:10,000 geomorphological survey and landslide inventory map; -Physical and mechanical properties of rocks (discontinuities, strength, rock mass classification) and soils (grain size, consistency); -GIS oriented organization of the spatial distribution of the considered factors; -GIS supported statistical analysis (spatial analysis, conditional and multivariate analyses, neural network technique); -Landslide hazard map, where landslide hazard is subdivided into five classes based on instability probability; -Final products: landslide hazard map at 1:50,000 scale, together with other related maps (landslide map, structural sketch, geotechnical sketch, isohyet map, etc.); explaining booklet; database.

Quaternary International, 2007

A case study is being carried out in relation to the event of June 19, 1996, when an intense rain... more A case study is being carried out in relation to the event of June 19, 1996, when an intense rainstorm hit the Cardoso area in the Apuan Alps, Italy. The catastrophe triggered several gravitational movements, mainly characterized by soil slip-debris flows. A dataset coming from field and laboratory surveys allowed a complete parameterization of the event, and consequently the realization of a physically based dynamic model related to the initiation of the rainfall-induced landslides. The aim of the study is to analyze the processes involved in the light of the modelling results and to assess the spatio-temporal activity of the landslides, both in terms of location of the triggering sites and of determination of the critical rainfall conditions.

Quaternary International, 2007

The proposed experimental study is aimed at contributing to the landslide susceptibility evaluati... more The proposed experimental study is aimed at contributing to the landslide susceptibility evaluation using a multidisciplinary approach: geological, geomorphological and geo-engineering survey, together with multivariate statistical analysis and GIS technique. It is included in a wider research project, aimed at defining the landslide hazard in the area of the map no. 250 ''Castelnuovo di Garfagnana'' (1:50 000 scale). This study is based on the realization of a landslides inventory map and statistical data analysis using probabilistic methods.

Atti 9a Conferenza …, Jan 1, 2005

La valle del fiume Serchio (LU) presenta complesse problematiche connesse con l'instabilità dei v... more La valle del fiume Serchio (LU) presenta complesse problematiche connesse con l'instabilità dei versanti. Infatti, le particolari caratteristiche geologico-strutturali, geomorfologiche, meteoclimatiche e sismiche della regione causano un'alta densità di dissesto. Molteplici movimenti franosi e ampie zone con elevata suscettibilità ai dissesti determinano un'alta pericolosità di frana, a cui sono esposti i centri abitati, le infrastrutture, le aree produttive e agricole, con gravi danni economici e sociali. Questo studio sperimentale è finalizzato alla valutazione della suscettibilità di frana attraverso lo studio geologico, geomorfologico, litologico-tecnico, statistico e l'uso di tecniche GIS. Tale ricerca ricade in un più ampio progetto promosso dalla Regione Toscana e dall'APAT-Servizio Geologico Nazionale con lo scopo di definire la pericolosità di frana all'interno dell'area del foglio 250-Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (scala 1: 50.000).

Quaternary …, Jan 1, 2007

The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides ind... more The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides induced by earthquakes in the north-western sector of the Northern Apennines (Italy) are discussed. The first investigation phase was based on bibliographic records on earthquakes and landslides. This step led to the collection of 18 well documented landslides induced by seismic shocks. Up to 11 landslides were set in motion by a strong (6.5 magnitude) earthquake which struck the Tyrrhenian side of the Northern Apennines on September 7th 1920. Other landslides were triggered by earthquakes occurring in 1779, 1832, 1952, 1965, 1996 and 2003. The landslides were triggered by earthquakes ranging from 3.3 to 6.5 magnitude (IV to X MCS degrees) with epicentres of 6 to 40 km away. The earthquake-related landslides studied are mainly complex or slide-type movements. The rock types involved are prevalently calcareous flysch, clay shales and debris. In order to understand the complexity of the relat...

Natural Hazards and Earth System Science, 2006

The Apuan Alps region is one of the rainiest areas in Italy (more than 3000 mm/year)

Advances in Geosciences, 2005

The Apuan Alps are characterized by frequent heavy rainfall. In several cases this triggered many... more The Apuan Alps are characterized by frequent heavy rainfall. In several cases this triggered many shallow landslides (soil slips). With the aim of contributing to the landslide hazard evaluation of the southern Apuan Alps (upper Versilian area), a detailed analysis of the main pluviometric events was carried out. Data recorded at the main raingauge of the area from 1975 to 2002 were analysed and compared with the occurrence of soil slips, in order to examine the relationship between soil slip initiation and rainfall. Some thresholds for soil slip-debris flow activity in terms of mean intensity, duration and mean annual precipitation (MAP) were defined for the study area.

This study was carried out after the realization of numerous geomechanical analyses, finalized to... more This study was carried out after the realization of numerous geomechanical analyses, finalized to the stability analysis of rock walls during a carriageway widening in a mountainous area. With this aim, a cartography based on SMR Index of Romana was realized, through a spatial analysis of both geomechanical parameters and the distribution of the discontinuities. This approach therefore allowed the estimation of the potentially unstable zones for each area and their classification on the basis of the resulting stability degree. Such methodological approach could find an important application above all in scarcely accessible zones, where, however, a good structural homogeneity exists. This methodology was elaborated during geomechanical surveys, aimed at the realization of structural engineering works in the Middle Valley of the Serchio River. The purpose of the study consisted in the determination of the corrected profile of the slope based on the stability conditions of the rock masses and the consequent planning of eventual works as support. The data elaboration allowed the individuation of the most critical areas, prone to sliding or toppling. This study revealed particularly suitable to experimentation, because it regarded a meaningful area with spatially homogenous geological/geomechanical/structural situation. The data obtained, appropriately compared with traditional methods, showed a good degree of reliability.

The intense quarrying activities in the Carrara marble district (Apuan Alps, Italy) has led to th... more The intense quarrying activities in the Carrara marble district (Apuan Alps, Italy) has led to the formation of widespread and thick quarry waste accumulations, which lie on steep slopes and invade many valley bottoms. In this area, rainstorms often cause floods, landslides, debris flows and deaths (e.g. on September 23, 2003). This research is aimed at determining the triggering conditions of the instability involving quarry waste. Firstly, the 23 September 2003 event was analysed in order to characterize its pluviometric features and effects. Then, three quarry dumps were selected upstream of Carrara and their evolution was studied. Subsequently, geomorphologic surveying distinguished areas with different characteristics (quarry activity, landslide areas, debris flow prone areas, land use, etc.). Furthermore, several grain size analyses were performed. Finally, in order to evaluate the hydrological behaviour of the quarry waste, the discharge of a spring at the toe of a quarry dum...

The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides ind... more The results of a multidisciplinary research on the additional causes in historical landslides induced by earthquakes in the north-western sector of the Northern Apennines (Italy) are discussed. The first investigation phase was based on bibliographic records on earthquakes and landslides. This step led to the collection of 18 well documented landslides induced by seismic shocks. Up to 11 landslides were set in motion by a strong (6.5 magnitude) earthquake which struck the Tyrrhenian side of the Northern Apennines on September 7th 1920. Other landslides were triggered by earthquakes occurring in 1779, 1832, 1952, 1965, 1996 and 2003. The landslides were triggered by earthquakes ranging from 3.3 to 6.5 magnitude (IV to X MCS degrees) with epicentres of 6 to 40 km away. The earthquake-related landslides studied are mainly complex or slide-type movements. The rock types involved are prevalently calcareous flysch, clay shales and debris. In order to understand the complexity of the relat...

Changing climate is often used to explain the proliferation and escalation of extreme events. In ... more Changing climate is often used to explain the proliferation and escalation of extreme events. In many cases, the climate changes, though significant, do not indicate a defined trend but may fit the normal climate cycles. On this controversial topic the scientific discussion is still open. Medium and long-term case studies suggest a change in rainfall trends and several authors individuate an apparent increase of rainstorms frequency in time. Such events have often caused landslides and floods with serious damages to territory and community. This paper summarises characteristics and main effects of the meteorological events which hit the provinces of Lucca and Pistoia in December 2009, focusing especially on their consequences on slopes. Moreover, it also describes the main characteristics of the heavy rainstorm which hit the Massa hinterland.

Rendiconti online della Società Geologica Italiana, 2015

Rendiconti online della Società Geologica Italiana, 2015

ABSTRACT On 10 November 2011 some small coastal basins of the Tigullio gulf and the middle Lavagn... more ABSTRACT On 10 November 2011 some small coastal basins of the Tigullio gulf and the middle Lavagna and Sturla valleys (eastern Liguria), were hit by an intense rainfall. Flash floods involved the city of Chiavari and shallow landslides were triggered on the slopes, causing severe damage to settlements and road network. Some buildings were destroyed and two casualties occurred at Leivi, in the lower Lavagna valley. This paper synthesizes the results of preliminary surveys carried out few days after the event in the area most affected by shallow landslides. The investigations, which are still in progress, have contributed to understand the characteristics of both triggering rainfall and landslide source areas. These achievements will be helpful in studying rainfall thresholds, shallow landslide modeling, landslide susceptibility and risk assessment for the study area.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 2012

Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 2, 2015

A very heavy rainstorm hit Eastern Liguria (Vara Valley and Cinque Terre area) and Northwestern T... more A very heavy rainstorm hit Eastern Liguria (Vara Valley and Cinque Terre area) and Northwestern Tuscany (Magra Valley) on 25 October 2011. This event produced floods and hundreds of shallow landslides, causing 13 casualties and severe damage to villages, infrastructures and roads. In the Vara Valley the Brugnato rain gauge recorded 468.8 mm in 6 h, with a maximum rainfall intensity of 143.4 mm/h. A landslide inventory map was carried out, together with a database including the main features of the source areas. At present, the database is complete for the Pogliaschina Torrent basin (Vara Valley), where at least 658 shallow landslides (mainly soil slip-debris flows and debris flows) were triggered. The shallow landslides induced by the 25 October 2011 event were analysed, together with geological, geomorphological and land use features of their source areas, with the aim of identifying common triggering conditions. This paper shows preliminary results of the comparison between the landslide inventory and the main slope features of the Pogliaschina Torrent basin.

Landslide Science and Practice, 2013

ISPRA and Tuscany Region Administration recently funded a project aimed at assessing and mapping ... more ISPRA and Tuscany Region Administration recently funded a project aimed at assessing and mapping landslide hazard of the area of the n. 250 "Castelnuovo di Garfagnana" map (1:50,000 scale). The area includes the upper Serchio River basin (Tuscany, Italy) and exhibits peculiar geological and geomorphological features and severe climatic conditions, which cause high landslide hazard. The project proceeded as follows: -1:10,000 geomorphological survey and landslide inventory map; -Physical and mechanical properties of rocks (discontinuities, strength, rock mass classification) and soils (grain size, consistency); -GIS oriented organization of the spatial distribution of the considered factors; -GIS supported statistical analysis (spatial analysis, conditional and multivariate analyses, neural network technique); -Landslide hazard map, where landslide hazard is subdivided into five classes based on instability probability; -Final products: landslide hazard map at 1:50,000 scale, together with other related maps (landslide map, structural sketch, geotechnical sketch, isohyet map, etc.); explaining booklet; database.

Quaternary International, 2007

A case study is being carried out in relation to the event of June 19, 1996, when an intense rain... more A case study is being carried out in relation to the event of June 19, 1996, when an intense rainstorm hit the Cardoso area in the Apuan Alps, Italy. The catastrophe triggered several gravitational movements, mainly characterized by soil slip-debris flows. A dataset coming from field and laboratory surveys allowed a complete parameterization of the event, and consequently the realization of a physically based dynamic model related to the initiation of the rainfall-induced landslides. The aim of the study is to analyze the processes involved in the light of the modelling results and to assess the spatio-temporal activity of the landslides, both in terms of location of the triggering sites and of determination of the critical rainfall conditions.

Quaternary International, 2007

The proposed experimental study is aimed at contributing to the landslide susceptibility evaluati... more The proposed experimental study is aimed at contributing to the landslide susceptibility evaluation using a multidisciplinary approach: geological, geomorphological and geo-engineering survey, together with multivariate statistical analysis and GIS technique. It is included in a wider research project, aimed at defining the landslide hazard in the area of the map no. 250 ''Castelnuovo di Garfagnana'' (1:50 000 scale). This study is based on the realization of a landslides inventory map and statistical data analysis using probabilistic methods.