A simple theoretical approach for analysis of slide-toe-toppling failure

Abstract

A prevalent kind of failure of rock slopes is toppling instability. In secondary toppling failures, these instabilities are stimulated through some external factors. A type of secondary toppling failure is “slide-toe-toppling failure”. In this instability, the upper and toe parts of the slope have the potential of sliding and toppling failures, respectively. This failure has been investigated by an analytical method and experimental tests. In the present study, at first, the literature review of toppling failure is presented. Then a simple theoretical solution is suggested for evaluating this failure. The recommended method is compared with the approach of AMINI et al through a typical example and three physical models. The results indicate that the proposed method is in good agreement with the results of AMINI et al’s approach and experimental models. Therefore, this suggested methodology can be applied to examining the stability of slide-toe-toppling failure.