SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS FOR STRATIFIED MEDIA USING DEM

Abstract

This analysis is performed to better the static and dynamics of the rock slide. A parametric study involving changes in slope angle, strength properties, inclination of layers and dynamic loading is also performed. This study reveals the sensitivity of these parameters to model output results. In general, the study provides an illustration of how the strength properties of a rock mass can be integrated in a discontinuum rock slope model, which is used for predicting the behavior of the slope under static and dynamic conditions. First, an initial static loading is applied in the numerical model to simulate the prevailing rock mass conditions at the site. These numerical studies have provided some useful insights into the deformation mechanisms in the rock slope. Both sliding and rotation of blocks start to occur once the residual friction angle along the discontinuities is reduced and when the region is - shaken by a strong earthquake. The results indicate that, due to variations in the inclination of discontinuities, the entire slope does not become unstable and that down-slope sliding and rotation of blocks occur mainly on the top layers of the slope. Within the range of parameter values considered for this study, it is unlikely that the whole rock slope can be destabilized. This model has helped not only to better understand the dynamics of the rockslide but also to estimate the potential rock volume that can become unstable when subjected to static and dynamic loads