Experimental Study on Rockfall Mechanism of Platy Rock on a Complex Slope

Xiaohui Liao,Lihui Li,Zigan Chen,Zhifa Yang,Juanjuan Sun,Haiyang Liu,Xueliang Wang,Qi Ouyang

doi:10.3390/app10082849

Abstract

The rock fall trajectory and its mechanisms are the most difficult to predict, owing to the complexity of the slope and the Irregular shape of falling rocks. To acquire a better knowledge of the rock fall mechanism of platy rock and to investigate the influence of various impact parameters, a comprehensive physical model experimental study was undertaken based on 3D printing technology using a high-speed camera and specially developed block release system. Based on the experimental results, the effects of the slope angle on the stopping position, the instantaneous kinetic energy and collision position of platy rock block were analyzed. Meanwhile, the effects of movement forms of platy rock before and after collision on the normal coefficient of restitution and the tangent coefficient of restitution were discussed. It is observed that rock fall trajectory depends not only on slope material characteristics, slope angle but also on factors related to the platy block (weight, size and shape). The experimental results showed the value of restitution coefficient exceeding 1 has an important relation with the combination of various movement forms (including the flip motion) and the change of movement forms of platy rock before and after the collision. A new feasible experimental method for research and prevention of rock fall disaster was put forward. It would be important and helpful to the geo-hazard control work.

Highlights

Rockfall hazards is a kind of geological hazards that occurs frequently
The studies reported in this paper have sought to explore the mechanism of platy rock rockfall motion by the physical model experiment based on 3D printing technology as references for protection against rock fall disasters
This research method could better reproduce the platy rock rockfall process, suggesting that there is merit to the physical model experiment based on 3D printing technology

Summary

Introduction

Rockfall hazards is a kind of geological hazards that occurs frequently. Statistics from China’s geological environment information site shows that rock fall has become one of the major geological hazards in China. In 2016, there was 9710 geological hazards in China, of which 1484 were rock fall hazard, accounting for 15.3% of the total, resulting in 405 dead or missing, and a direct economic loss of 3.17 billion yuan [1]. In 2017, a total of 7521 geological hazards occurred across the country, resulting in 354 dead or missing persons and a direct economic loss of 3.59 billion yuan [1]. In 2018, 2966 geological hazards occurred in China, including 858 rock fall hazards, accounting for. 28.9%, resulting in 112 dead or missing persons, and a direct economic loss of 1.47 billion yuan [1].

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Discussion

Conclusion