Centrifuge Modeling of Rock Slopes Susceptible to Block Toppling

Summary This paper presents the results of centrifuge tests that were aimed at validating the Goodman-Bray method for rock slope toppling analysis. The Goodman-Bray method was extended by the authors to accommodate non-persistent basal planes of rock columns. Two gypsum column models, with and without anchors were used to represent the failure modes. Measured critical centrifuge accelerations were in agreement with the results obtained from numerical modeling. A background of the toppling slope failures associated with a large hydropower project in China instigated the need for the centrifuge study. The centrifuge model tests used an artificial rock. The observed failure mode did not follow a straight failure plane as proposed by Goodman and Bray. The failures revealed a bi-planar slip surface with a deep-seated portion near the toe of the slope. The outcomes of the centrifuge tests illustrated the need to search for the critical failure surface when performing a toppling analysis. The search technique is similar to that usually performed in a conventional sliding analysis.