ABSTRACT
A great part of Campania Region, whose capital is Naples, is mantled by non lithified unsaturated granular soils of pyroclastic nature which cover even very steep slopes. These are subjected to different types of rainfall-induced landslides, including catastrophic flowslides. In the geomorphological contexts of Campania Region, the assumption of infinite slope is generally correct because of the high ratio between length of the slopes and thickness of the pyroclastic cover. In addition, according to experience, the shear strength parameters of stratified deposits, as alternating ash and pumice layers, are quite similar: therefore, the cover can be roughly considered uniform, at least in terms of resistance. Research on the mechanics of rainfallinduced landslides provides useful information for prediction of the type of landslide which can take place as a consequence of slope failure.
