Permeability changes induced by microfissure closure and opening in tectonized materials - Effect on slope pore pressure regime

Tectonized clays are complex materials characterized by several levels of structures that may evolve during load and wetting/drying processes. Some mesostructural patterns, as fissures, have a particular influence on the value of permeability which is one of the main factors controlling pore pressure regime in slopes. In this work, the pore pressure regime measured in a real slope of tectonized clay in Southern Italy is analyzed by a numerical model that considers changes in permeability induced by fissure closure and opening during the wetting and drying processes resulting from climatic actions.