Numerical modeling and inverse parameter estimation of the large-scale mass movement Gradenbach in Carinthia (Austria)

This paper deals with the inverse problem of using time-displacement monitoring data to determine the material parameters of a numerical model of a large-scale mass movement. A finite element model for simulating the mechanical behavior is presented for the Gradenbach landslide in Carinthia, Austria. Particular attention is paid to the calibration of the constitutive relationships, which represent a prerequisite for a realistic quantitative analysis. After a short introduction to the concept of model-parameter identification, this paper demonstrates how to apply the proposed model identification strategy to determine model parameters for the Gradenbach example. The impact of the amount of reference data available for the inverse model-parameter analysis is evaluated by means of artificial reference data. Subsequently, the numerical model is calibrated using field measurement data. The results obtained are presented, and the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed concept are evaluated.