Evaluation of slope stability through rock mass classification and kinematic analysis of some major slopes along NH-1A from Ramban to Banihal, North Western Himalayas

The network of Himalayan roadways and highways connects some remote regions of valleys or hill slopes,which is vital for India’s socio-economic growth.Due to natural and artificial factors,frequency of slope instabilities along the networks has been increasing over last few decades.Assessment of stability of natural and artificial slopes due to construction of these connecting road networks is significant in safely executing these roads throughout the year.Several rock mass classification methods are generally used to assess the strength and deformability of rock mass.This study assesses slope stability along the NH-1A of Ramban district of North Western Himalayas.Various structurally and non-structurally controlled rock mass classification systems have been applied to assess the stability conditions of 14 slopes.For evaluating the stability of these slopes,kinematic analysis was performed along with geological strength index(GSI),rock mass rating(RMR),continuous slope mass rating(CoSMR),slope mass rating(SMR),and Q-slope in the present study.The SMR gives three slopes as completely unstable while CoSMR suggests four slopes as completely unstable.The stability of all slopes was also analyzed using a design chart under dynamic and static conditions by slope stability rating(SSR)for the factor of safety(FoS)of 1.2 and 1 respectively.Q-slope with probability of failure(PoF)1%gives two slopes as stable slopes.Stable slope angle has been determined based on the Q-slope safe angle equation and SSR design chart based on the FoS.The value ranges given by different empirical classifications were RMR(37-74),GSI(27.3-58.5),SMR(11-59),and CoSMR(3.39-74.56).Good relationship was found among RMR&SSR and RMR&GSI with correlation coefficient(R 2)value of 0.815 and 0.6866,respectively.Lastly,a comparative stability of all these slopes based on the above classification has been performed to identify the most critical slope along this road.

Overhanging rock slope by design:An integrated approach using rock mass strength characterisation,large-scale numerical modelling and limit equilibrium methods

Overhanging rock slopes(steeper than 90°) are typically avoided in rock engineering design, particularly where the scale of the slope exceeds the scale of fracturing present in the rock mass. This paper highlights an integrated approach of designing overhanging rock slopes where the relative dimensions of the slope exceed the scale of fracturing and the rock mass failure needs to be considered rather than kinematic release of individual blocks. The key to the method is a simplified limit equilibrium(LE) tool that was used for the support design and analysis of a multi-faceted overhanging rock slope. The overhanging slopes required complex geometries with constantly changing orientations. The overhanging rock varied in height from 30 m to 66 m. Geomechanical modelling combined with discrete fracture network(DFN)representation of the rock mass was used to validate the rock mass strength assumptions and the failure mechanism assumed in the LE model. The advantage of the simplified LE method is that buttress and support design iterations(along with sensitivity analysis of design parameters) can be completed for various cross-sections along the proposed overhanging rock sections in an efficient manner, compared to the more time-intensive, sophisticated methods that were used for the initial validation. The method described presents the development of this design tool and assumptions made for a specific overhanging rock slope design. Other locations will have different geological conditions that can control the potential behaviour of rock slopes, however, the approach presented can be applied as a general guiding design principle for overhanging rock cut slope.

Slope stability assessment of an open pit using lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) modeling approach

Discontinuity waviness is one of the most important properties that influence shear strength of jointed rock masses,and it should be incorporated into numerical models for slope stability assessment.However,in most existing numerical modeling tools,discontinuities are often simplified into planar surfaces.Discrete fracture network modeling tools such as MoFrac allow the simulation of non-planar discontinuities which can be incorporated into lattice-spring-based geomechanical software such as Slope Model for slope stability assessment.In this study,the slope failure of the south wall at Cadia Hill open pit mine is simulated using the lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass(LS-SRM)modeling approach.First,the slope model is calibrated using field displacement monitoring data,and then the influence of different discontinuity configurations on the stability of the slope is investigated.The modeling results show that the slope with non-planar discontinuities is comparatively more stable than the ones with planar discontinuities.In addition,the slope becomes increasingly unstable with the increases of discontinuity intensity and size.At greater pit depth with higher in situ stress,both the slope models with planar and non-planar discontinuities experience localized failures due to very high stress concentrations,and the slope model with planar discontinuities is more deformable and less stable than that with non-planar discontinuities.

Application of Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning and Surveying in Geological Investigation of High Rock Slope

The appearance of 3D laser scanning technology is one of the most important technology revolutions in surveying and mapping field. It can be widely used in many interrelated fields, such as engineering constructions and 3D measurements, owing to its prominent characteristics of the high efficiency and high precision. At present its application is still in the initial state, and it is quite rarely used in China, especially in geotechnical engineering and geological engineering fields. Starting with a general introduction of 3D laser scanning technology, this article studies how to apply the technology to high rock slope investigations. By way of a case study, principles and methods of quick slope documentation and occurrence measurement of discontinuities are discussed and analyzed. Analysis results show that the application of 3D laser scanning technology to geotechnical and geological engineering has a great prospect and value.

Application of rock mass classification systems to rock slope stability assessment:A case study

The stability of rock slopes is considered crucial to public safety in highways passing through rock cuts, as well as to personnel and equipment safety in open pit mines. Slope instability and failures occur due to many factors such as adverse slope geometries, geological discontinuities, weak or weathered slope materials as well as severe weather conditions. External loads like heavy precipitation and seismicity could play a significant role in slope failure. In this paper, several rock mass classification systems developed for rock slope stability assessment are evaluated against known rock slope conditions in a region of Saudi Arabia, where slopes located in rugged terrains with complex geometry serve as highway road cuts. Selected empirical methods have been applied to 22 rock cuts that are selected based on their failure mechanisms and slope materials. The stability conditions are identified, and the results of each rock slope classification system are compared. The paper also highlights the limitations of the empirical classification methods used in the study and proposes future research directions.

Earthquake-induced collapse mechanism of two types of dangerous rock masses

As the economy of China develops, an increasing number of key traffic projects have been undertaken in the west of China, where there are high, steep rock slopes. The collapse of dangerous rock masses, especially following a strong earthquake, is one of common geological disasters known in rock slope engineering. Therefore, it is important to study the collapse mechanism of dangerous rock masses induced by an earthquake and the analysis approach of its stability. This study provides a simple and convenient method to determine the collapse mechanisms of two types of dangerous rock masses （i.e. cantilever and upright） associated with the definition and calculation of the safety factor, which is based on the flexure theory of a constant-section beam by combining with the maximum tensile-stress criterion to depict the process of crack propagation caused by seismic waves. The calculation results show that there are critical crack depths in each form of the dangerous rock masses. Once the accumulated depth of the crack growth during an earthquake exceeds the critical depth, the collapse will occur. It is also demonstrated that the crack extension amount of each step is not a constant value, and is closely associated with the current accumulated crack depth. The greater the cumulative crack depth, the more easily the crack propagates. Finally, the validity and applicability of the proposed method are verified through two actual engineering examples.

Rock slope stability evaluation using kinematic and kinetic methods along the Kamyaran-Marivan road,west of Iran

Interest in rock slope stability in mountainous regions has increased greatly in recent years.This issue has become a topic of major interest for geoscientists and engineering professionals,as well as for private citizens and local administrators,in many parts of the world.This paper evaluates the stability of seven rock slopes along the KamyaranMarivan tourist road,Kurdistan province,Iran,using various methods.The two main reasons for performing this research were to determine whether different methods of stability analysis provide the same results,and to determine how different factors such as the presence of water,tension cracks,and seismic forces affect the stability of these rock slopes.Firstly,field investigations were performed to obtain the engineering characteristics of the rock masses,discontinuities,and intact rocks of the slopes.Secondly,laboratory tests were carried out on rock samples obtained from the slopes,to determine the engineering properties of the intact rocks.Then for each rock slope,the contour diagram of discontinuities and slope face was drawn in the Dips v.5.1 software environment,and the failure mechanism was determined based on the kinematic or stereographic method.Next,the factors of safety of the rock slopes were calculated using the limit equilibrium method,based on the failure mechanisms resulting from the kinematic method.The accuracy of the results obtained by these two methods was investigated using SWedge v.4.0 software.The results indicated that four rock slopes have a potential for plane,wedge,and toppling failure,and three others are stable.Also,it was found that the stability of the studied rock slopes decreases greatly in the presence of water,tension cracks,and seismic forces.

Kinematic Analysis and Rock Mass Classifications for Rock Slope Failure at USAID Highways

Rock slope kinematic analysis and rock mass classifications has been conducted at the 17^(th) km to 26^(th) km of USAID(United States Agency for International Development)highway in Indonesia.This research aimed to examine the type of rock slope failures and the quality of rock mass as well.The scan-line method was performed in six slopes by using a geological compass to determine rock mass structure on the rock slope,and the condition of joints such as persistence,aperture,roughness,infilling material,weathering and groundwater conditions.Slope kinematic analysis was performed employing a stereographic projection.The rock slope quality and stability were investigated based on RMR(rock mass rating)and SMR(slope mass rating)parameters.The rock slope kinematic analysis revealed that planar failure was likely to occur in Slope 1,3,and 4,the wedge failure in Slope 1 and 6,and toppling failure in Slope 2,5,and 6.The RMR rating is ranging from 57 to 64 and can be categorized as Fair to Good rock.The SMR rating revealed that the failure probability of Slope 3 was 90%,while it was from 40%to 60%for others.Despite the uniform RMR for all slopes,the SMR was significantly different.The detailed quantitative consideration of orientation of joint sets and geometry of the slope contributed to such differences in outcomes.

Stability of High Slope Interbedded Strata with Low Dip Angle Constituted by Soft and Hard Rock Mass

Slopes consisting of interbedded strata of soft and hard rock mass, such as purplish red mudstone and grey brown arkosic sandstone of Jurassic age, are very common in Sichuan basin of China. The mudstone is soft while the sandstone is hard and contains many opening or closing joints with a high dip angle. Some are nearly parallel and the others are nearly decussated with the trend of the slopes. Many natural slopes are in deformation or sliding because of those reasons. The stability of cutting slopes and supporting method to be taken for their stability in civil engineering are important. In this paper, the stability and deformation of the slopes are studied. The methods of analysis and support design principle are analyzed also. Finally, the method put forward is applied to study Fengdian high cutting slope in Sichuan section of the express way from Chengdu to Shanghai. The results indicate that the method is effective.

Comprehensive analysis of slope stability and determination of stable slopes in the Chador-Malu iron ore mine using numerical and limit equilibrium methods

One of the critical aspects in mine design is slope stability analysis and the determination of stable slopes. In the Chador- Malu iron ore mine, one of the most important iron ore mines in central Iran, it was considered vital to perform a comprehensive slope stability analysis. At first, we divided the existing rock hosting pit into six zones and a geotechnical map was prepared. Then, the value of MRMR (Mining Rock Mass Rating) was determined for each zone. Owing to the fact that the Chador-Malu iron ore mine is located in a highly tectonic area and the rock mass completely crushed, the Hoek–Brown failure criterion was found suitable to estimate geo-mechanical parameters. After that, the value of cohesion (c) and friction angle (φ) were calculated for different geotechnical zones and relative graphs and equations were derived as a function of slope height. The stability analyses using numerical and limit equilibrium methods showed that some instability problems might occur by increasing the slope height. Therefore, stable slopes for each geotechnical zone and prepared sections were calculated and presented as a function of slope height.

济源市承留-小寨露天煤矿采区矿山地质环境治理研究

为了改善济源市承留-小寨露天煤矿采区周边地质环境,分析了矿山地质环境存在问题。研究区主要治理对象为露天采场和人类其他工程活动干扰区,治理面积705 hm 2,主要环境问题为滑坡、危岩体以及边坡。针对该问题,提出了“削坡压脚+场地平整+覆土绿化+宣传警示+配套设施+监测管护”治理方案,消除了地质灾害隐患,保护乐山区域生物多样性。

Evaluating Rock Mass Properties of Vipingo Coral Limestone Quarry Based on a Modified Geological Strength Index (GSI) and State of Karstification

The process of evaluating rock mass strength requires that major structural features such as joints that influence rock strength are considered. In carbonate rock masses, however, the strength of the rock mass is largely dependent on intact rock strength and structural features play a secondary role. Laboratory experiments on porous rock have shown that intact rock strength reduces with increasing porosity, which has a direct effect on the rock mass strength. Rock porosity has however not been well accounted for in rock mass characterization methods currently in use. This research applies the modified GSI method for carbonate rock masses which is based on a combination of GSI and total porosity. The main aim is to quantify the GSI with respect to rock porosity which is a direct indicator of the state of karstification, as an inherent feature that affects rock mass strength. An empirical equation is proposed whereby the GSI as observed in the field is modified by a natural log of the value of porosity, giving rise to a modified GSI (GSIm). The GSIm together with laboratory properties of rock is used to determine the properties of Vipingo coral limestone from RocLab software. A deterministic parametric slope stability analysis is done using the finite element software Phase 2 with the rock mass properties as input parameters. The analysis results point to a direct dependence of the slope stability on slope angle, slope height and rock mass strength of the lithological unit. The graphs make a useful design guide for slopes engineered in this type of rock mass.

三峡库区碳酸岩岸坡消落带岩体劣化特性

岸坡消落带是库水位升降形成的干湿交替作用区域。与岸坡其他地段相比,岸坡消落带水岩作用强烈,不断改造库岸的形貌特征,影响岸坡的整体或局部稳定性。消落带岩体劣化研究在劣化特征、劣化分类,以及劣化评价方法、指标研究方面存在不足。本文以三峡库区秭归和巴东干(支)流碳酸岩岸坡消落带岩体为研究对象,采取调(勘)查与试验、“比拟法”等综合分析方法,对碳酸岩消落区岩体劣化特征、过程及机制进行了系统研究,得到以下结论。(1)基于岸坡消落区岩体劣化的宏观效应,可划分为4种劣化类型;库水和地下水联动作用影响消落区岩体劣化的范围,沿深度方向呈现逐渐减弱的趋势,根据岩体劣化程度,可划分为3个区。(2)岩体各类结构面劣化最为严重,尤其是裂隙结构面,控制着岩体劣化的主要特征和类型。(3)库水作用方式和水的溶蚀性强弱影响岩体劣化的进展和演化发展模式。(4)根据库水与岸坡地下水联动程度,结合工程应用,提出了碳酸岩岸坡消落带岩体劣化的评价指标和评价方法。研究成果对消落带岩体劣化评价及岸坡稳定性演化评价具有一定的参考意义。

边坡稳定评价方法RMR-SMR体系及其修正

在岩石力学边坡稳定分析理论背景下，对ＲＭＲ－ＳＭＲ体系进行了修正，探讨边坡的安全系数与坡高之间的关系，提出了引入高度修正的建议方法，并通过引入结构面条件系数对原结构面修正值进行了适当的调整。最后通过３４个边坡工程的实例分析对建议方法进行了验证。

边坡岩体力学参数对Hoek-Brown准则参数敏感性的综合性分析

针对广义Hoek-Brown准则参数敏感性分析单因素法的局限性,提出利用正交试验法来研究准则参数对岩体力学参数的影响,该方法可以对各因素的影响进行综合性分析,避免单因素法的片面性。以龙桥特大桥5#拱座所在边坡为工程背景进行了基于正交试验的准则参数敏感性分析。结果表明:地质强度指标GSI对岩体的变形参数Em的影响最显著;岩石抗压强度σci和岩体扰动系数D对岩体的强度参数C、的影响最显著;总体来说,岩体力学参数对地质强度指标GSI与岩石抗压强度σci最敏感,对岩体扰动系数D次之,最后为岩石的Hoek-Brown参数mi;并且准则参数之间无交互作用,相对独立。

泄洪雾雨区裂隙岩质边坡饱和-非饱和渗流场与应力场耦合分析

岩质滑坡除与地质条件、降雨等因素有关外,泄洪雾雨也成为其不可忽视的催化剂。通过裂隙岩体渗透性与应力关系,裂隙岩体的弹塑性本构关系以及渗流场的控制方程,建立起饱和非饱和渗流场与应力场耦合的等效连续介质模型。编制了有泄洪雾雨影响的饱和-非饱和渗流与应力耦合三维有限元程序,通过迭代求解达到两场耦合目的。以实际工程为例,根据边坡的地表信息、开挖信息、岩层分界信息以及排水洞和帷幕信息等,建立起边坡地质模型。通过耦合计算,详细分析了耦合后边坡岩体的变形、应力以及塑性区等。计算结果表明,雾雨区的边坡稳定与渗流场变化有着重要关系,在评价边坡稳定与否时,要考虑渗流场对其影响。计算成果为实际工程的安全评价提供了一定的科学依据。

基于广义Hoek-Brown准则的边坡稳定性强度折减法数值分析

Hoek-Brown屈服准则作为估计完整岩石或节理岩体剪切强度的半经验准则,已成为岩体强度预测及计算领域应用最广泛的准则之一,并在边坡极限平衡法计算中得到了广泛应用,但很少应用于数值模拟计算领域。本文结合工程实例,以广义Hoek-Brown屈服准则建立数值计算模型,并基于强度折减方法计算边坡安全系数,经与等效Mohr-Coulomb屈服准则数值模拟及极限平衡计算对比,得出基于Hoek-Brown屈服准则的模拟计算结果与其它方法一致并且正确的结论。并认为不同屈服准则条件下的边坡潜在滑移面位置及变形特点存在差异,原因在于不同的屈服准则采用了不同的流动法则。与Mohr-Coulomb屈服准则相比,Hoek-Brown屈服准则采用基于应力水平的塑性流动法则更加体现了节理岩体的变形和破坏特点,可有效反映岩体的非线性破坏特征,更加接近工程实际,适于节理岩体的强度计算及稳定性分析。

广义Hoek-Brown准则在露天矿边坡稳定性分析中的应用

Hoek-Brown屈服准则作为估计完整岩石或节理岩体剪切强度的半经验准则,已成为岩体强度预测和岩土工程计算领域应用最为广泛的准则。采用广义Hoek-Brown强度准则确定露天矿山边坡岩体力学参数,并结合FLAC3D对矿山露天边坡开挖进行稳定性分析,计算结果与矿山开采实际情况基本一致,现状边坡整体处于稳定状态,局部岩土体有变形破坏的可能。基于广义Hoek-Brown准则确定的边坡岩体力学参数可以用于分析和评价露天矿延伸开采边坡稳定性。

采用广义Hoek-Brown准则反算滑坡岩体强度

滑坡可能为一个实比例的大型岩体强度“试验” ,它真实地反映特定地质和工程条件下边坡岩体的力学响应特性。本文采用非线性广义Hoek -Brown破坏准则 ,引入地质强度指标 ,为反算碎裂结构岩体边坡破坏时所调动的抗剪强度参数提出一种简洁、实用的方法。