Rock mass classification and assessment of stability of critical slopes on national highway-22 in Himachal Pradesh

Rock slopes require geo-engineering evaluation to assess the instability of critical slopes leading to landslides particularly in Himalayan terrain where rocks are highly jointed, fractured and weathering prone. Interplay of discontinuities in the rocks coupled with other parameters is one of the prime causes of failure of slopes. Engineering rock mass classification, such as, rock mass rating (RMR) and slope mass rating (SMR) along with geological strength index (GSI) have widely been used for stability assessment of rock slopes above tunnel portals, and these classifications are employed here for assessment of stability of slopes of critical nature along Rampur-Powari highway in Himachal Pradesh. In the present study, out of 154 numbers of slopes, a total of 29 have been selected for assessment of their criticality by employing RMR, SMR and GSI.     

Stability analysis of rock slopes along Gangadarshan,Pauri, Garhwal,Uttarakhand

The rock mass rating (RMR) and slope mass rating (SMR) has been carried out to classify the slope in terms of slope instability. To understand the RMR and SMR various geostructural, geomorphologic and hydrological parameters of the slopes were measured and analyzed. 32 rock slopes/rock cum debris slopes were identified in the study area. The present RMR and SMR study is an outcome of extensive field study along a stretch of about 10 km on road leading from Srinagar to Pauriarea along Alaknanda valley. The technique followed incorporates the relation between discontinuities and slope along with rock mass rating (RMR) and slope mass rating (SMR). The analysis of the 32 studied slopes shows that in the Gangadarshan area out of six rock slope facets, two falls in class II (stable) and four in class IV (unstable). It is significant to note that the slope facets coming under class IV are comprised of active landslide portions. While the slopes under class II show minor failure or old landslide debris.     

A graphical approach for slope mass rating (SMR)

Slope mass rating (SMR) is a commonly used geomechanical classification for the characterization of rock slopes. SMR is computed adding to basic rock mass rating (RMR) index, calculated by characteristic values of the rock mass, several correction factors depending of the discontinuity–slope parallelism, the discontinuity dip, the relative dip between discontinuity and slope and the employed excavation method. In this work a graphical method based on the stereographic representation of the discontinuities and the slope to obtain correction parameters of the SMR (F₁, F₂ and F₃) is presented. This method allows the SMR correction factors to be easily obtained for a simple slope or for several practical applications as linear infrastructures slopes, open pit mining or trench excavations.     

公路边坡岩体分级中坡高修正系数的改进

坡高与边坡稳定性有密切关系。CSMR分级体系在SMR的基础之上针对水电边坡工程引入了坡高修正系数 ,但在公路边坡分级实践中发现 ,该坡高修正系数仍有待于改进。对各类边坡可能失稳形式的力学分析 ,证明坡高修正系数 可近似表示为 =a+b/H 的形式。通过对 1 0 0余个边坡样本统计分析 ,得出两种不同岩层、坡面产状组合形式下坡高修正系数的数学表达式。经检验 ,改进后的CSMR体系能够满足公路边坡稳定性初步评价的要求。     

The assessment of slope stability along NH-22 in Rampur-Jhakri Area,Himachal Pradesh

The present paper demonstrates the assessment of slope stability analysis between Rampur to Jhakri road section along National Highway (NH-22), Himachal Pradesh, India. The different types of slope failures have affected most part of slopes which causes considerable loss of life and property, inconveniences such as disruption of traffic along highways. The poorly designed rock slopes for road widening or construction purposes may weaken the stability of the slopes. A detail field investigation has been carried out to collect the representative rock samples for determination of physico-mechanical properties of rock and joint data for kinematic analysis. The rocks exposed in the area are highly jointed quartzite and quartz-mica schist of Rampur-Larji Group of Palaeoproterozoic age. The continuous slope mass rating (CSMR) technique has been applied for the assessment of slope stability analysis at five vulnerable locations and the results shows slopes are partially stable to unstable. Kinematic analysis mainly shows wedge type of failure along with few toppling and planar failures. The existing slope required immediate treatment to prevent the failure for its long term stability.     

Charnockite bedrock,Chennai coast,Tamil Nadu: Micromorphology and geochemical signatures in stages of the weathering processes

Occurrences of landslide are most common and critical issue in North-East India. The various types of slope failures have been affected most part of slopes and road section between Malidor to Sonapur area (approx 30 Km) along NH-44 within Jaintia hills district, Meghalaya, India. These slope failures causes considerable loss of life and property along with many inconveniences such as disruption of traffic along highways. The unscientific excavations of rock slopes for road widening or construction purposes may weaken the stability of the slopes. The rocks exposed in the area are highly jointed sandstone and shale of Barail Group of Oligocene age. The Sonapur landslide is most dangerous and destructive rock fall-cum debris flow. The present study includes the kinematic analysis of the slope to assess the potential failure directions as the rocks are highly jointed in some parts of road cut sections. The continuous slope mass rating (CSMR) technique has been applied for slope stability analysis at five vulnerable locations. Kinematic analysis indicates mainly wedge type of failure along with few toppling and planar failures. These failure required immediate treatment to prevent the slide and long term stability of the slope.     

基于灰色系统理论的改进SMR法初探

综合灰色系统理论与传统的边坡岩体质量分级方法(SMR法),提出改进SMR法。传统的岩体质量分级方法中定量指标取值离散性很大,造成质量分级结果阶梯变化。灰色系统理论的灰度特征对解决这类小样本、离散性的问题有很好的适用性。首先对传统质量分级方法的评价指标进行灰类划分,确定各指标所占权重,再构建评价指标的三角白化权函数,并基于最大隶属度准则对边坡岩体进行质量分级。最后结合工程边坡实例,与一般工程RMR(岩体质量分级)与SMR法比较,改进SMR法的评价结果更加吻合工程现状,且质量分级稳定性高,表明其应用于边坡岩体质量分级是科学和准确的。     

Rock Mass Classification and Slope Stability Assessment of Road Cut Slopes in Garhwal Himalaya, India

There are many rock mass classification schemes which are frequently used for different purposes such as estimation of strength and deformability of rock masses, stability assessment of rock slopes, tunneling and underground mining operations etc. The rock mass classification includes some inputs obtained from intact rock and discontinuity properties which have major influence on assessment of engineering behaviour of rock mass. In the present study, detail measurements were employed on road cuts slope faces in Garhwal Himalayas to collect required data to be used for rock mass classification of Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Geological Strength Index (GSI). The stability assessment of rock slopes were also done by using Slope Mass Rating. In addition the relation between RMR and GSI were also evaluated using 50 data pairs.     

Stability evaluation of hill cut slopes along national highway-13 near Hospet,Karnataka, India

The road networks are backbone of a nation for the economic growth and safe communication. A shortest road design shall always be encouraged, but in hilly terrain, railway crossings and road crossings are constraints for the highway designers. The same problem was faced while planning a new design of National Highway-13 near the Hospet city in Karnataka, India. To resolve that problem, a twin tunnel was proposed to overcome steep gradient, sharp curve and a railway crossing. The field investigation was carried out to measure the joint parameters, lithology and ground water condition to establish the tunnel and tunnel portal stability along with hill cuttings. In the present study, the basic rock mass rating (RMR_Basic) and continuous slope mass rating (CSMR) of the slope outside tunnel portal were computed based on the field investigation for different rocks of Sandur schist belt viz. metabasics, phyllite/chlorite schist and banded iron formation. The support measures were proposed based on the computed CSMR.     

Techniques for slope stability analysis: Site specific studies from Idukki district,Kerala

The occurrences of slope failures are frequent in Idukki district of Kerala state particularly along the road cuttings and hill slopes causing disruption in traffic, loss of lives and property. This demands a critical evaluation of stability of slopes along the hill roads. This paper deals with stability analysis of a typical hard rock profile at Chuzhappu and a lateritic profile at Kumili along the road connecting Kottayam and Kumili. A large number of factors have been examined and studied; the orientation of discontinuities has been identified as one of the major inherent factors influencing slope instability along Chuzhappu hard rock profile. These have been analysed carefully using stereographic/equal area projection technique in order to determine the vulnerability to slope failure and to understand the type of rock slide that can occur in this profile. The buoyant force of water acting along the discontinuities after heavy rain storm further aids the down slope movement. As the laterite slope is mostly homogeneous, Bishops method and Swedish method were adopted for stability analysis of laterite slope at Kumili. The study also examines the efficacy and applicability of the different methods employed in soil mechanics to assess the stability of laterite slope.The results obtained by this method are compared by actual field conditions. The stability assessment indicates that two sectors at Chuzhappu and one sector at Kumili profile are at the geo-technical threshold of failure, when piezometric head rises during rainstorm. The study indicates that these methods are highly useful in determining the Factor of Safety in profiles with similar geological setting.     

基于开挖卸荷劣化的边坡岩体宏观力学参数USMR分析评价方法及验证

为研究锦屏某边坡岩体在开挖卸荷条件下的岩体宏观力学参数,对该区砂岩进行室内卸荷试验研究,结果表明：相对于加载试验,卸荷过程中岩样的强度及变形参数发生了劣化,低、高围压下岩石变形及破裂形式也有所不同。为此,在对SMR及CSMR修正的基础上,提出了考虑开挖方式、边坡形态及卸荷损伤的边坡卸荷岩体的评价体系USMR法。基于USMR法对研究区边坡开挖岩体宏观参数（变形模量Em、岩体抗压强度 、岩体抗拉强度 、岩体抗剪强度参数cm和 ）进行了动态分析,并分别考虑了不同围压 及卸荷损伤De条件下岩体参数的劣化规律。分析表明：开挖卸荷过程中岩体宏观参数发生了不同程度的劣化,拉应力区、低应力区和高应力区岩体参数的劣化规律有所不同,拉应力区及低应力区岩体力学参数对开挖卸荷更加敏感。研究结果对边坡开挖卸荷岩体的稳定性分析与评价具有一定指导意义。     

A new slope mass rating in mountainous terrain, Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas: application of geophysical technique in slope stability studies

The slopes of western Lesser Himalaya (at Sangaldhan Block of Udhampur near Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir India) are being severely affected by tectonic and erosional activities. These activities result in deposit of a thick cover of rock fragments and overburden just above the hard rock. The thickness of overburden cover has directly affected the stability of slope in the study area, though the traditional stability estimation techniques, rock mass rating and slope mass rating, rate this area as moderately stable which does not represent the real stability condition. In this research work, the geotechnical and geophysical surveys have been carried out to reckon the slope stability conditions more accurately as compared to traditional slope stability estimation techniques. A new rating, new slope mass rating, is developed, which gives a better picture of the stability of slopes. It incorporates a new parameter of overburden thickness profile, along with slope angle and other associated factors on the slopes of the mountainous terrains. The vertical electrical sounding surveys were conducted for the demarcation of rock–overburden interface and for determining the overburden cover. This new classification depicts an increase of 12.84 % in unstable slope areas giving a better assessment and factual picture of slope stability in our study area. This study also enumerates the importance of geophysical applications in slope stability studies. The research work is applicable in mountainous terrains such as Himalaya, and the major component of the application is the orientation of overburden or the profile of thickness in relation with slope of surface.     

改进的水电边坡岩体稳定性分级法

为克服现有基于边坡岩体分级SMR法的修正分级法存在的缺陷,采用较为合理的修正模型,结合36个水电工程边坡,提出了改进的水电边坡岩体分级M-CSMR法。该法使用边坡类型系数替代开挖修正得分,同时考虑了开挖、水流冲刷及掏蚀作用的影响;将坡高对边坡岩体稳定性的影响引入分级中,给出坡高分级及评分原则;对SMR法中各指标权值重新进行调整。与岩体分级RMR法、边坡岩体分级SMR法及水电边坡岩体分级CSMR法进行了比较,结果表明M-CSMR分级法与经验评分最为接近,预测结果最好,最大绝对误差、平均绝对误差及剩余标准差均最小,因此M-CSMR是一种更优的水电边坡岩体分级方法。     

基于H-B准则的各向异性边坡岩体强度参数修正研究

在岩质边坡的稳定性计算分析中,各向异性岩体抗剪强度参数的合理取值直接决定了分析成果的可靠性。为充分考虑岩体各向异性对边坡工程的影响,本文基于H-B强度准则,利用边坡岩体质量分类体系CSMR替代RMR,对参数m_b、s进行修正,并由此进一步计算得到各向异性边坡岩体的等效M-C强度参数。通过工程实例,计算比较了金沙江某水电站导流洞出口边坡在相同基岩条件、不同开挖设计方案下强度参数修正前后的边坡稳定安全系数。研究结果表明,岩体各向异性对边坡稳定性影响较大,未考虑岩体各向异性的岩体参数用于边坡稳定性计算时不能准确反映边坡的实际稳定性状态;而经过各向异性修正后,导流洞出口边坡两种设计方案下的整体稳定安全系数计算结果分别为1.11和1.70,与工程地质定性、半定量评价结果基本相符。通过本文提出的方法对边坡各向异性岩体参数进行修正,并在此基础上对边坡整体稳定性进行计算分析是可行的。     

修正SMR法在红层软岩边坡中的应用

在前人大量研究的基础上,针对传统的SMR法（边坡岩体质量方法）没有考虑软弱互层对边坡岩体评价结果的影响的不足之处,增加了强度差异调整权值项。对西南地区80个红层软岩边坡的评价分析结果表明,采用岩性差异修正后的SMR法比直接使用SMR法更加符合野外实际情况,运用修正后的SMR法对红层软岩边坡评价更加合理。     

Qualitative stability assessment of cut slopes along the National Highway-05 around Jhakri area,Himachal Pradesh,India

Several deformation phases in tectonically active Himalayas have rendered the rock masses very complex in terms of structure, lithology and degree of metamorphism. Again, anthropogenic activities such as roads, tunnels and other civil engineering constructions have led to a state of disequilibrium which in many cases, results in failure of rock masses. National Highway-05 around Jhakri area in India is a major connecting route to the China border in the hilly terrains of the state Himachal Pradesh. It cuts through the Himalayan rocks and has a hazardous history of landslides destroying human lives and interrupting communication very frequently. As a contribution towards the mitigation process, a study has been carried out along the highway to analyse kinematic stability and qualitative estimation of rock mass condition through rock mass classification systems. The kinematic analysis shows that the rock slopes are prone to planar and wedge failure. Rock mass rating for most of the locations lies between 7 and 34, representing a poor rock mass quality (Class IV), whereas slope mass rating is more disperse and ranges from 11 to 52 for most of the slopes (Class III, IV and V).     

SMR geomechanics and kinematic analysis near Rasulpur,Fatehpur Sikri,Uttar Pradesh

Slope stability of mine slopes is often associated with safety and economics during excavation. Sandstone is excavated from Rasulpur area of Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh for the purpose of crushed, decorative and dimension stones. In the present paper an attempt has been made to characterize the rock slope faces into different stability classes. Characterization is based on geological and geotechnical parameters recorded on the outcrop during field investigation and supplemented by geomechanical properties by the laboratory test for strength of the rock intact. SMR Geomechanics classification is used to identify the stability class and remedial measures are also suggested to reduce any possible hazard. Kinematic analysis of slope was also investigated to determine the probability of any possible structurally controlled failure. On the basis of SMR Geomechanics calculations slope under investigation lies under good stability class i.e. 2a and 2b. Installation of nets during excavation can be done and for better safety spot and systematic rock bolting can be done. Kinematic study reveals that toppling failures may occur, special care must be given to the joint set which can trigger toppling failure.     

岩体质量分级方法--CSMR法的修正及其应用

CSM R岩体质量分级方法是我国在RM R-SM R体系的基础上,引入高度修正系数和结构面条件修正系数而成,本文在阐述CSM R法应用的基础上,综合国内外对其修正的意见,提出修正的CSM R法,并通过大量的工程实例对修正的CSM R法进行校验,并回归出修正的CSM R法与RM R法的关系函数,结果表明修正后的岩体质量分级方法更适用于工程实际,可进一步推广。     

Stability of slopes in a fire-prone mine in Jharia Coalfield, India

Stability of slope in an opencast mine is always associated with safety and economics. The steeper slope is always preferred from economic point of view but prone to failure, whereas flatter slopes are uneconomical. A proper understanding of slope which will be a steep enough to be stable is required for safety, economy, and stability of men and machineries. The Rajapur opencast mine is one of the important mines in terms of good quality coal but has problems of water seepage, fire, and weak overburden materials. The existing coal mine has three working seams which are mostly thick and occur at shallow depths of about 50–60 m. Overall slope angle of the working faces as well as final pit is very steep which leads to failures. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to characterize the materials of the mine for simulation of existing slopes. The rock samples from the coal measures were collected to determine the petrophysical characteristics of various rock units. All the pertinent geological parameters from the exposed face were also collected during field visit to assess the slope mass rating (SMR). A two-dimensional finite difference tool was employed to simulate the existing slope geometry as well as relevant parameters of the rock units. The numerical simulation indicates various vulnerable points which are prone to failure as well as displacements at various points along the slope. The results of simulations are corroborated with the SMR value. The results are well matching with the field condition.     

基于CSMR的露天坑尾矿库水位设计研究

以山东三山岛仓上金矿露天坑尾矿库为研究对象,在高陡岩质边坡CSMR评分基础上,通过岩石力学饱水实验,对岩石力学参数进行弱化,对尾矿库边坡四个典型剖面处边坡在无水、-100m水位、-50m水位和-40m水位下的CSMR动态评分,将487和503剖面动态CSMR评分与矿坑库水位之间的关系进行指数函数拟合,研究其评分和矿坑库水位之间的动态关系。结果表明:边坡RMR值降低,直接致使CSMR值的降低;487和503剖面的CSMR评分相较于483和507对于水位的上升更为敏感,且487和503剖面在水位的上升过程中,CSMR评分率先跌破40分,使边坡处于不稳定状态;库水位在-48.302m时,边坡487和503剖面发生小规模滑动,与CSMR评分结果一致;边坡在当前-47.643m库水位工况下具有一定的安全性,并据此推算边坡的临界库水位在-42.37m~-40.62m之间。通过对露天矿坑库水位临界值的研究,为矿坑边坡的安全稳定性提供有力依据。