GIS-based detachment susceptibility analyses of a cut slope in limestone, Ankara—Turkey

Due to the rapidly growing population of the city of Ankara (Turkey) and increased traffic congestion, it has become necessary to widen the Ankara-Eskişehir (E-90) highway connecting the newly built areas west of the city to the city center. During widening, several cut slopes were formed along the highway route. As a result, some instability problems (small-sized rock falls/sliding, sloughing, raveling) produced detachment zones along a cut slope in highly jointed, folded and sheared limestone, causing local degradation of the cut slope. Identification of the areas that are likely to detach from the cut slope in the future is considered to be very important for the application of remedial measures. For this purpose, the relationships between the existing detachment zones and various parameters (e.g., point load strength index, weathering, block size, daylighting, shear zone) were investigated using GIS-based statistical detachment susceptibility analyses in order to predict the further aerial extension of the detachment zones with time. During the overlay analyses, statistical index and weighting factor methods were used. The outcomes of the analyses were compared and evaluated with the field observations to check the reliability of the methods and to assess the detachment zones that may develop in the future. The detachment susceptibility map without the block-size layer gives the best result and indicates some risky zones where detachments are likely to occur in the future. Recommendations on remedial measures of the cut slope should consider these risky zones.     

Use of fully softened shear strength in slope stability analysis

Fully softened shear strength is an important empirical engineering concept for slope stability analyses of cuts in stiff clays and compacted embankments constructed of high-plasticity clays. This concept has been used to explain many first-time failures for which the back calculated shear strength is below the peak strength measured in the laboratory. A comprehensive review of case histories and laboratory studies related to fully softened shear strength was used to assess the application of this concept. The case history data were also used to provide guidelines on the soil types for which fully softened shear strength is appropriate, how and when this shear strength should be used in slope stability analysis, and how the fully softened failure envelope should be characterized. This paper contains specific guidelines on when and how the fully softened shear strength concept should be used in slope stability analyses.     

Geotechnical characterization and rockfall simulation of a slope: a practical case study from South Tyrol (Italy)

Rockfalls occur often along the state road SS241 Val d'Ega in the Val d'Ega Valley (South Tyrol, Italy). In order to protect the road and the traffic, stabilization works are necessary. Detailed geological and geomorphologic mapping along structural and geomechanic sections was carried out, and experimental rockfall trails were examined on the slope above the state road between km 3.550 and 3.830. Rockfall simulation, rock mass classification and an interpretation of field data, especially concerning joints, wrapped up the investigations. They helped find the specific need for stabilization work and its positioning along the slope. The stabilization works were completed on February 2002. Another important aspect concerns ongoing geotechnical investigations and stabilization works urgently realised during autumn 1999.

This paper is a practical approach in solving rockfall problems along public roads. It should be considered as a workbook for university personnel and also for professional geologists.     

基于Hoek-Brown准则的三维边坡变形稳定性分析

采用Hoek-Brown准则,分析三维边坡在开挖扰动下的变形稳定性。以某露天矿边坡为工程背景,利用快速拉格朗日差分法(FLAC3D)建立三维数值分析模型,并在边坡中布置若干监测点,利用FISH语言编制相应位移插值程序,探讨边坡开挖引起的动静态位移响应,从宏观角度揭示出边坡开挖后,不同区域的变形,为工程实践提供指导;介绍了强度折减技术在Hoek-Brown准则中的实施方法,采用计算不收敛失稳判据,计算边坡安全系数,从而进一步推广Hoek-Brown强度折减法在三维边坡稳定性分析中的应用。     

高斯过程机器学习在边坡稳定性评价中的应用

针对边坡工程是复杂的非线性系统,采用常规的理论分析和数值计算方法难以满足对边坡稳定性评价的高精度与快速性的要求,为此,提出对处理非线性复杂问题具有很好的适应性一种有概率意义的核学习机--高斯过程机器学习方法来解决边坡稳定性的合理评价问题,建立了相应的边坡稳定性预测模型。工程应用研究结果表明,采用高斯过程机器学习方法进行边坡稳定性评价是科学可行的,该方法能很好地表达边坡稳定性与各影响因素之间的非线性映射关系,能方便快捷地给出合理可靠且具有概率意义的边坡稳定状态评价结果,为实现边坡快速设计的工程实践要求提供了一条新的途径。     

土坡地震稳定性影响因素分析

针对目前土质边坡地震稳定性评价还没有成熟可靠的标准,采用FLAC3D对土坡进行地震稳定性分析,得出:在土体强度参数中,摩擦角对土坡的稳定性影响最大。地震波传播方向平行于坡面时,比地震波传播方向与坡面相交时对土坡的危害要小得多。提出对土坡采用分级处理,多设置平台,更利于抗震。      

Probabilistic analysis of rock slope stability and random properties of discontinuity parameters, Interstate Highway 40, Western North Carolina, USA

Probabilistic analysis has been used as an effective tool to evaluate uncertainty so prevalent in variables governing rock slope stability. In this study a probabilistic analysis procedure and related algorithms were developed by extending the Monte Carlo simulation. The approach was used to analyze rock slope stability for Interstate Highway 40 (I-40), North Carolina, USA. This probabilistic approach consists of two parts: analysis of available geotechnical data to obtain random properties of discontinuity parameters; and probabilistic analysis of slope stability based on parameters with random properties. Random geometric and strength parameters for discontinuities were derived from field measurements and analysis using the statistical inference method or obtained from experience and engineering judgment of parameters. Specifically, this study shows that a certain amount of experience and engineering judgment can be utilized to determine random properties of discontinuity parameters. Probabilistic stability analysis is accomplished using statistical parameters and probability density functions for each discontinuity parameter. Then, the two requisite conditions, kinematic and kinetic instability for evaluating rock slope stability, are determined and evaluated separately, and subsequently the two probabilities are combined to provide an overall stability measure. Following the probabilistic analysis to account for variation in parameters, results of the probabilistic analyses were compared to those of a deterministic analysis, illustrating deficiencies in the latter procedure. Two geometries for the cut slopes on I-40 were evaluated, the original 75° slope and the 50° slope which has developed over the past 40 years of weathering.     

Rock Slope Stability Assessment Using Geomechanical Classification and its Application for Specific Slopes along Kodaikkanal-Palani Hill Road,Western Ghats,India

Linear infrastructure networks like roads play a vital role in the socio-economic development of hill towns centered on tourism. Stability of the slopes along the hill roads are therefore a major concern and slope failures lead to disruption of traffic and loss of property/life or both. This study analyses the stability of cut-slopes along the Kodaikkanal – Palani hill road in the Western Ghats, India using rock mass classification systems like rock mass rating (RMR), slope mass rating (SMR) and continuous slope mass rating (CSMR). These geomechanical classifications provide a preliminary assessment of rock quality based on rock strength, discontinuity properties, hydrogeological condition of the slopes and slope stability based on the inherent rock strength parameters, discontinuity orientation and method of excavation. The results showed that both rock quality and discontinuity orientation contribute to type of failure in rock slopes with RMR > 40. SMR results are conservative while CSMR classification is matches more closely to the failures obtained from the field survey. CSMR classification represents continuous slope stability conditions and hence are more suitable for development of spatial database. Cutting of roads, thereby, steepening slopes has a definite influence on the stability of slopes.     

Investigation of the failure mechanism and stabilization of a landslide in weathered tuffite,Giresun, northeastern Turkey

This study investigates the causes and failure mechanism of the Aksu landslide that occurred during the construction of the Giresun–Espiye road between KM: 1 + 030–1 + 170 in northern Turkey and recommends proper stabilization techniques. For the purpose of investigating the causes and mechanism of this slope failure, engineering geological mapping, geotechnical investigation and rock mass characterization were performed. From top to bottom, weathered tuffite, tuffite, flysch, and dacitic tuffite were the major units in the study area. The disturbance of the slope by the excavations performed at the toe of the slope (i.e., due to the foundation excavation for the Tünel restaurant building and for the road cut) led to a “translational slide”. The “translational slide” occurred in completely weathered tuffite due to the disturbance of the stability of the slope by the excavations performed at the toe of the slope, particularly for the foundation excavation of the Tünel restaurant building and for the road cut along the Giresun–Espiye road. The rise in the groundwater level was also another important factor that has contributed to the occurrence of the landslide. After establishing the geometry of the landslide in detail, the shear strength parameters of the failure surface were determined by the back analysis method. Sensitivity analyses were performed and landslide failure mechanisms were modeled to quantify the contributing factors that have caused the formation of the Aksu landslide. The influence of an earthquake was investigated through pseudostatic slope stability analysis. Toe buttressing, ground water drainage, and surface water drainage alternatives were considered for stabilizing the slope.     

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.     

强度折减有限元法在昆明新机场高填方边坡稳定分析中的应用

介绍了碎石桩、强夯置换两种工程常用的山区高填方地基的处理方式。为了解不同地基处理方式下,山区机场高填方边坡的稳定性,采用强度折减有限元法及对比研究的手段对昆明新机场79-79?工程地质剖面处边坡的稳定性进行分析,而且将强度折减有限元与简化Bishop方法的计算结果进行对比。另外,对土体强度参数未折减时,不同地基处理方式下的边坡位移及剪应变也进行比较。结果表明：用碎石桩或强夯置换处理坡脚内地基的相对软弱土层,不仅能有效提高边坡安全系数,还能大幅度减小边坡的最大剪应变与最大位移;当边坡的最危险滑移面接近圆弧形时,强度折减有限元法与简化Bishop法计算所得安全系数与最危险滑移面均接近,且强度折减有限元法计算的安全系数略偏小,偏于安全;当中风化基岩上方覆盖土层深度大于强夯置换的有效处理深度时,用碎石桩处理原地基效果更优     

Probabilistic slope stability analysis by a copula-based sampling method

In probabilistic slope stability analysis, the influence of cross correlation of the soil strength parameters, cohesion and internal friction angle, on the reliability index has not been investigated fully. In this paper, an expedient technique is presented for probabilistic slope stability analysis that involves sampling a series of combinations of soil strength parameters through a copula as input to an existing conventional deterministic slope stability program. The approach organises the individual marginal probability density distributions of componential shear strength as a bivariate joint distribution by the copula function to characterise the dependence between shear strengths. The technique can be used to generate an arbitrarily large sample of soil strength parameters. Examples are provided to illustrate the use of the copula-based sampling method to estimate the reliability index of given slopes, and the computed results are compared with the first-order reliability method, considering the correlated random variables. A sensitivity study was conducted to assess the influence of correlational measurements on the reliability index. The approach is simple and can be applied in practice with little effort beyond what is necessary in a conventional analysis.     

Some slope stability problems in soils derived from the Ecca Shales of Natal,South Africa

Shales of the Lower Ecca stage of the Late Palaeozoic Series are actively degrading in the particular topography and climate of Natal. The failure of a large road embankment near Pietermaritzburg and the subsequent failure of the adjacent natural slope were caused by movement along existing shear zones in the underlying colluvium. Other cases of instability in both natural slopes and engineering earthworks are known, in the Pietermaritzburg and Durban areas and elsewhere in Natal. These failures in various types of slope in different parts of Natal suggest an inherent instability in colluvial and residual soil derived from shale of the Lower Ecca stage.     

Role of slope stability in cumulative impact assessment of hydropower development: North Cascades, Washington

Two environmental assessments considered the potential cumulative environmental impacts resulting from the development of eight proposed hydropower projects in the Nooksack River Basin and 11 proposed projects in the Skagit River Basin, North Cascades, Washington, respectively. While not identified as a target resource, slope stability and the alteration of sediment supply to creeks and river mainstems significantly affect other resources. The slope stability assessment emphasized the potential for cumulative impacts under disturbed conditions (e.g., road construction and timber harvesting) and a landslide-induced pipeline rupture scenario. In the case of smallscale slides, the sluicing action of ruptured pipeline water on the fresh landslide scarp was found to be capable of eroding significantly more material than the original landslide. For large-scale landslides, sluiced material was found to be a small increment of the original landslide. These results predicted that hypothetical accidental pipeline rupture by small-scale landslides may result in potential cumulative impacts for 12 of the 19 projects with pending license applications in both river basins.     

基于边坡单元的公路沿线滑坡危险度概率分析

公路沿线发生的滑坡、泥石流等自然灾害是造成交通停滞的主要原因。对公路沿线边坡进行稳定性评价及滑坡灾害分析对于公路管理和灾害防治具有重要意义。为了能对大范围边坡应用三维力学模型进行稳定性评价,研究中将较大研究区域划分为多个边坡单元（slope unit）,并介绍了边坡单元划分方法。对每个边坡单元,采用随机生成许多假想滑动面并通过一个基于GIS的边坡稳定性三维分析模型计算其安全系数的方法,找出具有最小安全系数的危险滑动面,同时求出在试算过程中安全系数小于某临界值（通常设为1.0）的结果出现的比率,作为该边坡单元的滑坡发生概率,以此作为指标对研究区域进行危险度评价。通过对日本49号国道沿线边坡中的应用对该方法的实用性进行了验证。     

基于整体刚体平衡法的膨胀土边坡稳定分析

膨胀土边坡危险滑面受裂隙面影响,常位于强弱风化层界面,且近似为直线,滑坡后缘一般为垂直张拉裂缝,下部主滑床呈近水平状。基于上述特性,提出滑坡体的三折线刚体简化模型,滑体内土体强度采用多次干湿循环后稳定值,并根据整体刚体的静力平衡推导建立边坡安全系数求解公式。以秦淮东河膨胀土边坡为实例,开展膨胀土干湿循环室内试验,并利用推导公式求解边坡长期稳定系数,计算结果与FLAC强度折减法求解结果接近。设计程序分析了强风化层厚度和膨胀土层厚度对边坡安全系数求解值的影响,发现后者随前两者的变化先急剧减小后趋于平缓,在一定范围内影响较大。考虑浅层土体强度和强风化层深度在干湿循环不同阶段的变化,求解了各阶段强弱风化层交界面上滑面的安全系数,发现其呈现指数衰减的趋势,边坡主要在6次干湿循环后发生失稳,滑面深度在1.83 m左右。     

CST-based first order second moment method for probabilistic slope stability analysis

Correlated random variables are commonly involved in probabilistic slope stability analysis, such as reliability analysis of slopes with spatially variable soil properties. This paper proposes a simple Correlated Sampling Technique (CST) for generating samples of correlated random variables. The CST firstly produces correlated standard-normally distributed samples through linear combinations of independent standard-normally distributed samples. Correlated arbitrarily distributed samples can then be obtained by the Nataf transformation. The CST was combined with FOSM (named CST-based FOSM) for probabilistic slope stability analysis. The slope reliabilities of a single-layered cohesive soil slope and a high earth and rockfill dam were analyzed to illustrate the CST-based FOSM. These illustrative examples indicated that the CST-based FOSM can accurately estimate the slope reliability indices with considerably fewer simulations (especially in the case of low failure probability) compared with direct MCS, and the slope reliability was sensitive to the correlation of the strength parameters.     

工程荷载作用下缓倾角反倾似层状岩质边坡变形稳定性分析

在反倾层状边坡的破坏机制和稳定性分析方面,由于其稳定性一般较好,系统深入地研究其破坏机制和稳定性的反而不多。以火山岩地层多次火山喷发旋回形成的缓倾角反倾似层状岩质边坡为研究对象,利用有限元分析其位移矢量图,揭示边坡的变形破坏机制和稳定性控制要素,利用极限平衡法、矢量和法,评价其稳定性,利用强度折减法分析塑性区的扩展规律,揭示滑动面发展的时间空间规律,结果表明,（1）类似层状反倾岩质边坡的潜在破坏模式为剪切–张拉破坏,滑面形态表现为近似折线状：顺坡向穿过凝灰岩夹层和强风化岩体,后缘通过陡倾结构面;（2）极限平衡法、矢量和法的边坡稳定性综合评价表明边坡浅层稳定性不满足工程稳定性要求,深层稳定性满足工程稳定性要求,且三维矢量和安全系数大于二维结果,是三维效应造成;（3）塑性区扩展揭示滑面的空间发展序列为滑面4、5、3。文中的技术路线和分析方案可用于缓倾角反倾层状岩质边坡稳定性评价。     

Determination of stability of slope using Minimax Probability Machine

This article examines the capability of Minimax Probability Machine (MPM) for the determination of stability of slope. MPM is constructed within a probabilistic framework. This study uses MPM as classification and regression tools. Unit weight (γ), cohesion (c), angle of internal friction (φ), slope angle (β), height (H) and pore water pressure coefficient (r_u) have been used as inputs of the MPM model. The outputs of MPM are stability status of slope and factor of safety (F). The results of MPM have been compared with the artificial neural network models. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed MPM is a promising tool for the determination of stability of slope.     

复杂岩质边坡的破坏类型及稳定性分析

复杂岩质边坡主要受结构面发育状态控制形成多种类型的变形破坏模式,与土质边坡迥异。本文以招商局漳州开发区11号山西段边坡为例,基于现场地质调查,对其主要节理面进行统计分析和变形模式评判,并对圆弧滑动破坏、楔形体破坏、平面滑动破坏及滚石破坏等各种破坏类型进行定量化评价,进而对边坡整体稳定性进行分析评价,为治理该复杂岩质边坡提出合理化建议,并总结形成复杂岩质边坡稳定性分析的评价思路和基本流程。