Analysis of the Seismic Effect of Slopes with Different Shapes Under Dynamic Loads

Abstract

In geological engineering, it is often found that slopes deform during the earthquake. Eventually, landslide may take place and cause much loss of life and property. So research on the responses of slopes under dynamic loads is crucial. In this research, a series of small shaking table model tests are adopted to study the responses of slopes with the shape of straight, concave, and convex under dynamic loads. What’s more, comparative analyses between the shaking table model tests and numerical simulations of the slope responses are conducted to verify the reliability of test results. The results show that the slope shape has a strong influence on the seismic stability of the slope. In detail, the convex slope is more easily to destroy while the concave slope is the most stable under the dynamic loads; due to tensile cracks developed in the slope top, slopes fail more easily under transverse vibration than longitudinal vibration; in addition, the dynamic stability of the slope decreases with increasing slope angle. It is also found that the slope failure modes drawn from numerical are in great agreement with that in the model tests, the accuracy of test results is validated. The research provide a reference for the seismic design of slopes with different shapes.