Andrea Maria Deganutti, 2014, Experimental study on rheology of low friction natural phenomena, Analysis and Management of Changing Risks for Natural Hazards, Padova (Italy), 18,19 Nov 2014,
URL: http://www.cnr.it/prodotto/i/295801

Some dangerous natural phenomena, like large rock avalanches and faults slipping during earthquakes, show a peculiar behaviour characterized by a very low friction. Many attempts have been advanced by scholars in the last decades in order to explain that behaviour, but none of them have been generally accepted by the international community. This study takes into consideration the effects of dynamic fragmentation on the mechanics of rock avalanches motion in order to explain the slip weakening shown by these phenomena at the sliding surface. Experiments have been conducted by means of a high pressure rheometer purposely built capable to apply a direct stress up to 4 MPa on a sample of rock granules. First results are promising toward an advance in understanding the motion mechanics of rock avalanches and the prediction of their runout possible reach.

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