Abstract
A topple is a common rock slope failure – and usually the cause of a rockfall – that depends on the slope and rock geometries. This paper presents a laboratory simulation and field generation of a single-column rock topple failure. Innovative inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors were used to collect three-dimensional acceleration and angular velocity data during four laboratory experiments to understand and characterise general toppling behaviours. A topple is identified by the gradual change in at least two gravity accelerations, the continuous increase in at least one of the angular velocities and a significant change in the linear acceleration in the direction of toppling. A field experiment showed similar sensor data patterns to those observed from the laboratory experiments. An isolated-block stability analysis of a single-column topple provides the basis for incorporating the IMU sensors into the development of future monitoring and early warning systems.
Highlights
Topple is one of the most common landslide failures on slopes, especially rock slopes having a set of discontinuities dipping steeply into the slope face and striking approximately parallel to it (Norrish and Wyllie 1996)
Past studies have shown that the existing slope monitoring technologies are not suitable for detecting a rapid toppling failure and cannot be implemented to differentiate different slope failure modes, especially a topple
These limitations hinder the application of exiting stability analysis methods and movement threshold criteria in a real-time slope monitoring
Summary
Topple is one of the most common landslide failures on slopes, especially rock slopes having a set of discontinuities dipping steeply into the slope face and striking approximately parallel to it (Norrish and Wyllie 1996). Topple occurs when a rock column rotates forward and the center of gravity of the mass falls outside the base dimension. An analytical model for toppling analysis and the kinematic analysis using a stereonet projection was proposed by Goodman and Bray (1976). A series of nomograms to assess the toppling stability were established by Choquet and Tanon (1985) utilizing computer solutions developed by Hittinger (1978). The unique nomograms were developed based upon the interlayer angle of shearing resistance and geometry of a toppling block. Toppling failure do occur on natural slopes, which have led to road closures and created significant socioeconomic impacts (Highland 2012; Holmstadt et al 2019)
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