Numerical Modeling of 3D Slopes with Weak Zones by Random Field and Finite Elements

Yu-Xiang Xia,Man-Man Liu,Jun Hu,Po Cheng

doi:10.3390/app11219852

Abstract

This work investigates an analysis method for the stability of a three-dimensional (3D) slope with weak zones considering spatial variability on the basis of two-phase random media and the finite element method. By controlling the volume fractions of rock and weak zones, two-phase random media are incorporated into the 3D slope model to simulate the random distribution of rock and weak zones. Then, a rotation of a Gaussian random field is performed to account for the inclination of the weak zones. The validity of the proposed model for use in the analysis of the stability of 3D slopes with weak zones was verified by comparing it to existing results and analytical solutions. The failure mechanism of the slope is considered by examining the plastic failure zone at incipient slope failure. The safety factor is sensitive to the inclination of the weak zones, but it is predictable. Parametric studies on the inclination of the layer of weak zones demonstrate that when the rotation angle of the weak zones is approximately parallel to the slope inclination, the slope is prone to slippage along the weak zones, resulting in a significant reduction in the safety factor. The findings of this research can serve as the foundation for further research on the stability of slopes with weak zones.

Highlights

The prediction and control of landslides caused by the instability of slopes with weak zones is of great practical significance in the risk assessment of earth disasters
This research aims to estimate the stability of a 3D corner slope with weak zones, introducing a two-phase random media model to invert the spatial distribution of rock and weak zones
Aiming the uneven spatial distribution of weak in slopes, this work investiAiming at theatuneven spatial distribution of weak zoneszones in slopes, this work investia mathematical theoretical model based on two-phase random media to characterize gatedgated a mathematical theoretical model based on two-phase random media to character3Dslope slope with weak zones

Summary

Introduction

The prediction and control of landslides caused by the instability of slopes with weak zones is of great practical significance in the risk assessment of earth disasters. Due to the strong degree of randomness in the spatial distribution of the weak zones within the slope, these factors are, to a certain extent, uncertain, so it is difficult to quantitatively evaluate the stability and failure consequences of the slope [1]. Stability analysis of slopes with weak zones is an essential element of safety design in practice. The stability of a slope will be strongly affected by the distribution of its internal weak zones. Numerous approaches have been proposed to analyze the stability of slopes with weak zones, such as the rigid body limit equilibrium method, the model test method, and the finite element method [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]

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Discussion

Conclusion