Project Overview

The traditional tools for prediction and design are based on limit equilibrium analysis for landslides and single phase model for debris flows. These simple models are unable to account for the complex behaviour of landslides and debris flows. There is an urgent need for better understanding of the triggering mechanisms, for reliable prediction of runout dynamics, deposition pattern and impact forces and for rational design of stabilization and protection structures. The last decade saw rapid developments in advanced constitutive models, Discrete Element Method (DEM), Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). By integrating these advances into a coherent training/research network we expect to achieve the breakthrough in the research on landslides and debris flows.

Within this ITN, an intersectoral training program will reduce the shortage of R&D researchers and engineers versed in modern modelling techniques while – in parallel – several original research questions will be answered, related to the multiphase and multiscale nature of landslides and debris flows. Both training and research are equally important to formulate methods/standards for code validation and model calibration so that the numerical model can be transformed from a largely scientific tool into a widely adopted method providing reliable predictions and reasonable strategy to deal with these most dangerous geohazards, which are likely to be aggravated by the impending global climate change. MUMOLADE will provide the urgently needed professionals in the research institutions and stakeholders (i.e. authorities, planers, contractors and manufacturers) and will eventually help to retain the competitiveness of the EU stakeholders to make reliable predictions and to devise mitigation measures.

To overcome the already evident short supply of professionals truly versed in modern modelling techniques, training is needed which addresses all aspects of the method in academia, software house and industry. MUMOLADE connects 13 full partners with 8 associated partners (2 SMEs) in a consortium which engages key private stakeholders over several sectors: research & training, engineering, contractor, manufacturer and software houses. This guarantees that the resulting training and scientific outcome will provide benefit across the traditional boundaries between industrial sectors or scientific/engineering disciplines.

MUMOLADE will provide for each fellow: (a) in-depth training by research at the host site and on secondments to stakeholders; (b) sound multidisciplinary and intersectoral scientific training and understanding of environments at the stakeholders via courses and secondments; (c) a programme of complementary skills training and network events to develop competencies and career options. The project will also provide outstanding opportunities for Transfer of Knowledge (ToK) between the stakeholders including SMEs and academia.