ANALYSIS OF TOPPLING FAILURE

Abstract

The modes of failure that have long been recognized in slopes of jointed rock masses involve sliding on surfaces of some nature within the mass, falls or detachment from surface close to edges of the mass i.e. sliding failures by either translational or rotational movements and rock falls. Out of these mentioned above, the sliding mode tend to be more important because of large mass movements involved. Rock falls occur on the surface and are characterized by falling pieces achieving large velocities and invariably leave a scree of debris at the bottom of the slope. Sliding, whether translational or rotational or a combination of both, normally leaves a well defined series of back scars behind the sliding masses. Thus it is clear that both the above type:,-, of failures can be identified easily in field. A sliding failure usually has an identifiable internal structure. This is often hest developed in the initial stages of the movement. Such structure can be explained by studying the adjustment which the geometry of the sliding mass has undergone. The extent to which