Plane failure analysis of rock slopes

Summary Hoek and Bray (1981) gave an analytical approach for plane failure analysis for rock slopes that is limited to those slopes in which the upper slope surface is horizontal and the tension crack is vertical. An analysis is presented here which can take these factors into account. It is found that varying the angle of the upper slope from 0° to 30° causes a significant reduction in the factor of safety. Varying the tension crack from vertical to 70° only has an effect when the upper slope angle is less than 20°.     

Analysis and Design of an Underground Portal in Lateritic Soils

This paper presents a case study of the analysis and design of slopes for the portal of an underground crude oil storage cavern site. The site selected for the slope study is characterized by residual soils and granitic rock formations, located in the southwestern part of India. It is observed that in tropical residual soils, most hillslope failures are caused by rainfall and thus it is important to consider hydrological conditions when attempting to analyze the stability of slopes in such material. Combinations of shallow slopes with lower overburden and high steep hillslope with large overburden were considered in the present study along with varying combinations of lateritic soils and weathered rock formations. The paper discusses the various investigations carried out to define the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil and weathered rock, followed by numerical modelling and remedial measures adopted to ensure the stability of slopes during design and construction phase. Since analysis and design procedures for such residual soils are not well established, comprehensive geological and geotechnical investigations were carried out prior to numerical model development for carrying out finite element studies in order to ascertain long term stability of slopes under differing ground conditions. The results of the stability analysis indicated that slope under existing condition were potentially unstable under rainy conditions and specific supporting measures were planned to ensure stability. Several alternatives were examined for improving the stability of slope taking into consideration existing facilities, space available for mobilization of equipments and environmental conditions in reference to specific project requirements. The convergence pattern obtained from geotechnical monitoring using optical targets along the slopes did not showed any alarming movement for over a year.     

Evaluation of rock slope stability for Yujian River dam site by kinematic and block theory analyses

Lithological information, rock mass fracture data and discontinuity shear strength obtained through field investigations have been used to conduct kinematic and block theory analyses for the rock slopes that exist in the dam site to evaluate the stability of the slopes. The analyses were performed using mean discontinuity set orientations for each rock mass region under gravitational loading to calculate the maximum safe slope angles (MSSA) for different cut slope directions. Results show that final MSSAs obtained from kinematic analysis are less than or equal to that obtained from block theory analysis. The following conclusions have been made based on the block theory analysis results, which are closer to the reality: (1) The final MSSA range between 30° and 47°, 44° and 70°, 47° and 69° for cut slope dip directions of 20–30°, 105–210°, and 270–355°, respectively; (2) For cut slope dip directions of 20–30°, 200–210° and 275–315°, wide ranges of values have been obtained for the final MSSA reflecting the influence of variability of fracture orientations on MSSA; (3) Apart from the region R-d-1 for slope dip directions in the range 20–30°, rest of the regions at the dam site seem to be stable for slope angles less than 40°. Detailed comparisons are given between the kinematic and block theory analyses covering both the theoretical concepts and application results. Also a brief comparison is included between the laboratory and in situ discontinuity shear strength results.     

Engineering geological assessment of the proposed Uru Dam, Turkey

This paper describes the results of the engineering geological investigations and rock mechanics studies carried out at the proposed Uru Dam site. Analyses were carried out in terms of rock mass classifications for diversion tunnel, kinematic analysis of excavation slopes, permeability of the dam foundation and determination of rock mass strength parameters.Uru Dam is a rock-filled dam with upstream concrete slab. The dam will be built on the Suveri River in the central part of Turkey. The foundation rocks are volcanic rocks, which consist of andesite, basalt and tuff of Neogene Age. Studies were carried out both at the field and the laboratory. Field studies include engineering geological mapping, intensive discontinuity surveying, core drilling, pressurized water tests and sampling for laboratory testing.Uniaxial, triaxial and tensile strength tests were performed and deformation parameters, unit weight and porosity were determined on the intact rock specimens in the laboratory. Rock mass strength and modulus of elasticity of rock mass are determined using the Hoek–Brown empirical strength criterion. Rock mass classifications have been performed according to RMR and Q systems for the diversion tunnel.Engineering geological assessment of the proposed dam and reservoir area indicated that there will be no foundation stability problems. Detailed geotechnical investigations are required for the final design of the dam.     

Geotechnical applications in open pit mining

Detailed geotechnical data is often a major unknown factor in open pit design and mining, the lack of which constitutes a significant risk in any mining venture. As geotechnical data is accumulated so the risk of unforeseen conditions reduces, and so safety and productivity can be increased. Previously, most geotechnical work undertaken at open pit mines has focused on the slopes. The work done at Sandsloot open pit situated on the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex, 250 km north east of Johannesburg, however, has involved using geotechnical data for production, as well as slope stability benefits. Solutions to production problems encountered in a rapidly developing open pit are best formulated once some geotechnical control at the pit has been attained. At Sandsloot open pit this was achieved by delineation of geotechnical design zones from a detailed face mapping and drilling programme. Optimum design parameters then were assigned to these zones and geotechnically related problems assessed. This allowed slope management programmes to be initiated, as well as slope optimization of the hangingwall. The latter resulted in an improved slope configuration and an increase in the ultimate angle of the wall by 7°. This resulted in substantial savings, as well as an improvement in safety. In addition, the zones can be used for planning, costing and pit scheduling. The methods have proved successful in optimizing blast fragmentation and thereby loading, crushing and milling rates; in reducing secondary blasting and improving floor conditions; and in reducing drilling, blasting and comminution costs.     

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.     

Assessment of the Stability of Rock Slopes by the Slope Stability Rating Classification System

Given the lack of suitable systems in the characterization of slope stability of heavily jointed rock masses, a new rock mass classification system called Slope Stability Rating (SSR) is proposed. In addition to the so-called modified Geological Strength Index, the proposed system considers five additional parameters whose relative effects on the stability of fractured rock slopes were precisely examined based on data retrieved from eight different rock slope sites in Iran. An overall rating for the rock mass is obtained from the summation of the individual ratings of each parameter. A number of design charts are provided as illustration. The new system was then validated based on 46 slope case histories from Iran and Australia. For this, by means of the design charts previously mentioned, a recommended stable angle for each slope was given and compared with the current slope conditions. As a result, SSR design charts for maximum excavation angle (FS = 1.0) and also for other more conservative excavation angles (FS = 1.2, 1.3, 1.5) were presented.     

Kinematic and Block Theory Analyses for Shiplock Slopes of the Three Gorges Dam Site in China

The granitic rock mass that exists in the shiplock region of the Three Gorges dam site contains a number of major discontinuities and about four sets of minor discontinuities. One hundred and thirty three major discontinuities have been mapped around the shiplock covering an area of 1740×600 m. These major discontinuities were used to perform rock slope kinematic and block theory analyses. Kinematic analyses were performed under the following two cases: (1) assuming all the mapped discontinuities cross the shiplock; (2) using only discontinuities that actually intersect the shiplock. Under case (1) and case (2) the shiplock faces in the proposed permanent shiplock region in fresh rock were found to be stable up to a cut slope of about 45° and 58°, respectively. Block theory was applied to identify different block types that exist on the shiplock faces and to estimate the maximum safe slope angles on the shiplock faces. The orientations of the major discontinuities that actually intersect the shiplocks were considered in this analysis. The total length of the shiplock (1750 m) was divided into 50 m segments. From the stereo-plots, the key blocks (Type I) and/or potential key blocks (Type II) were found for only five segments of the shiplock slopes. It was found that the dip of the cut slope should be less than about 60° to avoid creation of a key block on the proposed shiplock slopes. However, it is important to keep in mind that these conclusions are based on the kinematic analyses performed using only the major discontinuities. Further kinematic as well as kinetic analyses are recommended incorporating minor discontinuities, water forces, earthquake forces etc. before making the final conclusions about the maximum safe slope angle for the shiplock region.     

Stability analysis and supporting system design of a high-steep cut soil slope on an ancient landslide during highway construction of Tehran–Chalus

The stability of both natural and cut slopes in mountainous areas is a great challenge to highway constructions and operations. This paper presents a successful case study of stability analyses and protection treatments for high-steep cut soil slopes in an ancient landslide zone which was located at Km12+700 to Km15+000 along the Tehran?CChalus highway. This report has three parts. First, geotechnical investigations of in situ direct shear test, SPT tests and laboratory tests were implemented to get the subsurface profiles and the mechanical properties of the soil mass. Second, finite difference analysis was carried out to evaluate the stability of both the natural and cut slopes. Minimum safety factors and potential failure modes of cut slopes were obtained under both static and dynamic conditions. These results indicated that the ancient landslide could not be reactivated under the present climatic and morphological conditions, but there were some potential shallow failures in some cut soil slopes (failure actually occurred during excavation). Protection treatments and reinforcements were thus necessary. Third, the stability of the cut slopes was re-assessed by simplified Bishop limit equilibrium analysis (using Slide 5.0). Some potential failure zones were designed to be protected by back-anchored concrete retaining wall at the slope toe, rock bolts and frame beams on the slope face and planting grass on the slope face. Numerical analysis indicated that these protection measures could stabilize this remedial slope. These practical experiences may be of benefit for similar highway construction projects.     

基于模糊因素的岩质边坡地震稳定性多模型组合评价

岩质边坡地震稳定性评价是岩土边坡地震失稳防治的基础工作,针对评价过程中评价因素的多源模糊性,借鉴工程可变模糊集理论,将模糊可变评价模型应用于岩质边坡地震稳定性评价中。综合考虑岩质边坡内在结构和外部自然条件,选取岩土体特性、新构造运动特征、坡高、坡角、年均降雨量和场地地震烈度6个指标作为评价指标体系并建立等级标准;将改进熵权算法引入该模型中,利用指标实际数据离散性求权重;通过改变模糊可变评价模型参数对岩质边坡地震稳定性进行线性与非线性组合评价,并将均值作为最终评价结果。将该方法应用于天然边坡与路堑边坡实例中,结果表明,模糊可变评价模型评价结果合理、客观,具有更高的可靠性与稳定性,为岩质边坡地震稳定性评价工作提供了一种新的研究方法与思路     

An integrated remote sensing-GIS approach for the analysis of an open pit in the Carrara marble district,Italy: Slope stability assessment through kinematic and numerical methods

Over the last decade, terrestrial laser scanning and digital terrestrial photogrammetry techniques have been increasingly used in the geometrical characterization of rock slopes. These techniques provide innovative remote sensing tools which overcome the frequent problem of rock slope inaccessibility. Comprehensive datasets characterizing the structural geological setting and geometry of the slopes can be obtained. The derived information is very useful in rock slope investigations and finds application in a wide variety of geotechnical and mine operations. In this research an integrated remote sensing – GIS approach is proposed for the deterministic kinematic characterization of the Lorano open pit in the Apuan Alps of Italy. Based on the results of geomatic and engineering geological surveys, additional geomechanical analysis using a 3D finite difference method will be presented in order to provide a better understanding of the role of stress-induced damage on slope performance.     

Cut Slope Design Recommendations for Sub-Horizontal Hard Sedimentary Rock Units in Ohio, USA

Although most cut slopes in Ohio consist of inter-layered, sub-horizontal units of hard and soft sedimentary rocks (sandstone, limestone, dolostone, shale, claystone, mudstone), slopes consisting of relatively thick hard rock units are not uncommon. Design of stable cut slopes in hard rock units needs to consider rock mass strength and orientation of discontinuities with respect to slope face. Results of kinematic stability analyses show that hard-rock cut slopes are less likely to have conventional plane and wedge failures, caused by unfavorable orientation of discontinuities. The main cause of failure is identified to be the undercutting-induced toppling, which is not amenable to traditional kinematic or rock mass strength-based analyses. Therefore, to recommend a suitable slope angle, numerical models, using UDEC software, were employed to study how various slope angles affect the process of undercutting-induced toppling failures. The UDEC models showed a slope angle of 45° (1H:1 V) to be the most stable angle. However, a 63° (0.5H:1 V) slope angle can significantly reduce the potential for such failures and is therefore more appropriate than the widely used angle of 76° (0.25H:1 V).     

Landslides at Qingjiang River in the Downstream Area of Shuibuya Dam Site, China

INTRODUCTIONLandslides annually cause a great amount of cas-ualties withinthe Chinese population and great lossesin the Chinese economy . The number of casualtiesreached 232 killed and 2 missing people in 2003 and283 killed and 69 missing people in 2004 . The eco-nomic losses amount to a total of 730 billion US $in2003 and 475 billion US $in 2004 (Zanetti ,2005 ,2004) .The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Serv-ice) is financing a project to investigate landslides .The project is a coo…     

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.     

高陡岩质料场边坡稳定性与支护设计研究

水电站料场高边坡具有高度大、坡度陡、卸荷速度快等特点,因多按临时边坡进行设计,故施工期变形破坏事例频发。基于这一现状,依托瀑布沟水电站两岩质料场边坡,通过两年多跟踪施工过程的支护设计工作,总结出一套操作性强的料场高边坡稳定性及支护设计方法。针对料场边坡存在的受软弱结构面控制的边坡整体稳定性、浅表层块体稳定性、碎裂岩体稳定性三种工程地质问题,在跟踪施工过程开展岩体结构调查的基础上,按照先整体后局部的稳定性评价思路,开展高边坡稳定性评价。施工期动态支护设计按照保证整体稳定,控制局部变形,顾全潜在失稳区域的理念,通过定性评价确定不稳定区域并优先设计提交施工;针对施工中最易出现的块体变形和碎裂岩体变形,建立了合理的支护设计原则和严格的施工规定;对稳定性差、施工风险高、支护造价大的潜在不稳定区域,应及时地调整开挖方案,减少工程造价。实践表明,这套方法保证了料场高边坡的快速施工安全,减少了工程投资。     

Comprehensive Engineering Geological Analysis on Large-Scale Anti-dip Slopes: A Case Study of Changshanhao Opencast Gold Mine in China

Flexural toppling failure of large-scale anti-dip slopes constitutes a significantly rare phenomenon. With regard to the large-scale anti-dip slope instability at the southwest stope of Changshanhao Opencast Gold mine, in this work, a field engineering geological survey on the Changshanhao open stope was conducted, to investigate the structural plane features of the corresponding slope rock mass. Moreover, an equatorial horizon projection and strike rose diagram were utilized to determine the preferred structural plane of the joint fissures; the exposed rock mass integrity zoning of slope and the rock sample property testing on the main lithological compositions in the stope were also established. Based on the results of previous field investigations and indoor rock mechanics experiments, along with the occurrence conditions of stratigraphic structures unmasked by existing engineering geology borehole data, geographical explorations and mining engineering, the failure mode of southwest stope slopes were also determined. Finally, several suggestions were provided on the reinforcement and treatment of dangerous slopes within the ultimate mining boundary, consequently laying a foundation for sustainable safe mining.

     

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.     

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.     

双临空面岩质边坡滑动与倾倒破坏的运动学分析

临空面的几何形状在边坡破坏模式与稳定性分析中起着举足轻重的作用。运动学分析是确定边坡破坏模式与评价边坡稳定性的一种有效方法。目前基于运动学分析的边坡稳定性研究主要集中于单临空面边坡的破坏模式与最大安全开挖边坡角的确定。本文将此项研究扩展至双临空面边坡,将其破坏模式细分为4种,分别为沿结构面发生单平面滑动、沿结构面发生楔形体滑动、沿两个结构面的交线发生楔形体滑动以及倾倒破坏。在立体投影中得出,平滑滑动与楔形体滑动的滑动区为双临空面真倾向线与摩擦圆所组成的区域,单个结构面倾角矢量与两个结构面交线矢量位于该区城内;倾倒破坏区为双临空面真倾向线、摩擦圆与基圆所组成的区域,结构面的法向矢量位于该区城内。提出了双临空面边坡最大安全开挖边坡角的确定方法及边坡设计原则。最后将上述方法应用于三峡库区湖北省秭归县郭家坝镇郭家坝村生基坡高边坡,研究了该双临空面边坡的破坏模式并给出了最大安全边坡角的建议值