Finite Element Greenfield Modelling for building damage assessment under groundwater-induced slope movements

This study presents a numerical investigation of ground movements induced by groundwater rise in slopes using a plane strain finite element model with a Mohr–Coulomb constitutive law under drained, steady-state seepage conditions. The main methodological contribution is the definition of a Greenfield Slope Analysis framework, which adapts the Limiting Tensile Strain Method (LTSM) to assess potential damage in shallow-founded buildings affected by slow-moving landslides. Finite element analyses are used to evaluate displacement and strain fields across the slope from which maximum tensile strains are derived, together with the corresponding changes in slope stability. Groundwater rise leads to progressive increase in ground displacements, whereas the spatial distribution of strain is primarily controlled by slope kinematics. For the selected idealised slopes with a layer of uniform thickness, the central portion shows predominantly translational behaviour, while rotation-like components develop near the crest and toe. The crest is mainly associated with tensile horizontal strains, whereas the toe is mainly associated with compressive horizontal strains, resulting in different damage potential depending on the adopted structural idealisation. Sensitivity and parametric analyses indicate that normalised slope-parallel displacement may be used as a proxy for greenfield deformation levels, supporting preliminary damage assessment and interpretation of in-situ monitoring data.