Integration Between Physiographic Compartmentation and Geomechanical Characterization of Rock Masses Applied to Landslide Susceptibility at the Rio-Santos Highway (BR-101) in São Sebastião (SP)—Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess the areas that are most susceptible to landslide occurrence along the Rio-Santos Highway in Sao Sebastiao—SP (Brazil) based on the integration of the physiographic compartmentation and the geomechanical characterization of the study area. To produce physiographic compartmentation, the study area was subjected to photointerpretation to identify areas with homogenous textures and similar geomorphologic features. Moreover, DEM, slope maps and landslide scar mapping were used to complement the geomorphologic characterization of the region. A geological and geotechnical survey was used to obtain the parameters to classify rock masses according to the RMR classification and Q-System. Four units were delineated and described based on their geological, geotechnical and geomorphologic aspects. The units considered to be the most susceptible to the occurrence of shallow landslides are III and IV.