La Deformazione Gravitativa Profonda (DGPV) di Beauregard: Modellazione Numerica di Prove di Taglio

In particular I studied the deep-seated gravitational deformation recognized on the western slope of the stream named Dora di Valgrisenche, upstream of Valgrisenche (Aosta), and its interaction with the Beauregard arcgravity dam. A complete understanding of these DSGSD phenomena and their interaction with the Beauregard dam implies a correct definition of the geological-structural model and a geotechnical characterization of the affected materials. In order to test the cataclastic materials which come from the shear zone of the studied phenomena, the Multidisciplinary High Quality Laboratory DIPLAB (DIsaster Planning LABoratory) of the Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Department of the Politecnico of Torino, in collaboration with G.D.S. Instrument Ltd., developed a new direct shear test apparatus (High Pressure Back Pressure Shear Apparatus - HPBPSA) which allows to control the value of the pore pressure in the sample, simulating the rise of the groundwater level. To reproduce the functioning of HPBPSA, a numerical model was built, in order to simulate a direct shear test carried out with the High Pressure Back Pressure Shear Apparatus on the shear zone material of the Beauregard DSGSD. The numerical model, which was built with FLAC 5.0 (finite difference analysis), works accepting some simplified assumptions with respect to the experimental reality.