This paper analyses an important aspect of the continuum numerical modelling of rapid landslides as debris flows: “By using the same rheological parameter values, are the results obtained with codes that implement the same constitutive equations, but a different numerical solver, equal?” To answer this question, the two numerical codes RASH3D and GeoFlow_SPH are used here to back-analyse the debris flow event that occurred in the Nora stream (northwestern Italian Alps) in October 2000. Comparison of results evidenced that the RASH3D best-fit rheological values for the Nora event back-analysis overestimated both the final depositional heights and the simulated flow velocities if used in GeoFlow_SPH. To obtain thickness values comparable with those measured in situ, it was necessary to re-calibrate GeoFlow_SPH rheological parameter values. This way, with the exception of a larger lateral spreading of the sliding mass given by RASH3D, both thickness and velocity values were similar for the two numerical codes.

The integration of digital twins (DTs) in construction is still in its infancy compared to other sectors. However, the potential for optimising project lifecycle management is significant, promising transformative impacts on safety and operational performance. In this study, the evolution of technologies preceding DTs is explored. A detailed description of the various platforms where DTs can be implemented is discussed and parallels are established with other sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare, highlighting the successful application of DTs in these fields. The key benefits of integrating DTs in the construction industry and complex infrastructure management are assessed, emphasising that the accuracy of asset representation is crucial for their effective utilisation. Moreover, the challenges associated with recording, storing, and accessing both static and dynamic data are discussed, providing insights into the pros and cons of managing data through back-end versus front-end processes. Case studies of a transport railway station and an educational centre illustrate the practical applications and advantages of DTs, such as enhanced visual representation, improved understanding of construction and management dynamics, real-time information integration, and collaborative management processes. This paper advocates for the first steps toward establishing a European definition of DTs and standardising the relevant processes.

Entrainment of saturated bed material increases the mobility of fast landslides. The distribution of excess pore pressures changes in the body of the landslide, as the material entering it has much lower effective confining stresses which results on much smaller apparent basal friction angles. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the Finite Differences depth integrated SPH model developed by the authors to cope with material which is flowing up the FD meshes. The model is set within an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian framework (ALE), and the resulting excess pore pressure evolution model will include now advective terms in addition to the diffusive and source terms. In order to assess the importance of the proposed modification, we introduce a basal Péclet number which relates two non dimensional reference times of consolidation and erosion.