Abstract
Rock slope stability is commonly dominated by locked patches along a potential slip surface. How naturally heterogeneous locked patches of different properties affect the rock slope stability remains enigmatic. Here, we simulate a rock slope with two locked patches subjected to shear loading through a self-developed software, rock failure process analysis (RFPA). In the finite element method (FEM)-based code, the inherent heterogeneity of rock is quantified by the classic Weibull distribution, and the constitutive relationship of the meso-scale element is formulated by the statistical damage theory. The effects of mechanical and geometrical properties of the locked patches on the stability of the simulated rock slope are systematically studied. We find that the rock homogeneity modulates the failure mode of the rock slope. As the homogeneity degree is elevated, the failure of the locked patch transits from the locked patch itself to both the interfaces between the locked patched and the slide body and the bedrock, and then to the bedrock. The analysis of variance shows that length and strength of locked patch affect most shear strength and the peak shear displacement of the rock slope. Most of the rock slopes exhibit similar failure modes where the macroscopic cracks mainly concentrate on the interfaces between the locked patch and the bedrock and the slide body, respectively, and the acoustic events become intensive after one of the locked patches is damaged. The locked patches are failed sequentially, and the sequence is apparently affected by their relative positions. The numerically reproduced failure mode of the rock slope with locked patches of different geometrical and mechanical properties are consistent with the laboratory observations. We also propose a simple spring-slider model to elucidate the failure process of the rock slope with locked patches.
Highlights
Two parallel crack bands gradually expand along the interface between the locked patch and the bedrock and slide body symmetrically whereas little damage has been caused within the locked patch, bedrock, and slide body
The shear strength and peak shear displacement of the model can be considered as the larger values of the two locked patches
The which makes it difficult to represent the mechanical behaviour by a simple model. Makes it difficult to represent the mechanical behaviour by a simple model. It it should be be noted noted that that most should most of of the the numerical numerical and and experimental experimental results results yield yield similar similar failure failure patterns patterns where where the the crack crack expands expands along along the the interface interface between between the the locked locked patch patch and and rock rock slope, whereas little damage occurs within the bedrock, the slide body, and the slope, whereas little damage occurs within the bedrock, the slide body, and the locked locked patch; bebe simplified as rigid bodies
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The rock slope is generally controlled by intact unfractured rock between discontinuities [2,3,4,5,6]. Intact unfractured rock provide shear resistance along the potential sliding surface and a complex interaction between existing natural discontinuities and brittle fracture propagation through intact rock is required to bring the slope to failure [7]. The investigations on large rock slides indicate that the failure of actual rock slope is complicated. Yinjiangyankou rock slide which took place in Guizhou of China is controlled by the intact rock interlayer [17]. When all the locked patches fail, the rock mass starts to slide (Figure 1) [23]. When all the locked patches fail, the rock mass starts to slide macromacroscopically.
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