Abstract
Even after decades of intensive research, assessing rock slope stability remains a challenge. One reason for this is the spatial variability of rock bridges (RBs) related to non-persistent, pre-existing geological structures, especially as the detection of RBs is generally limited to the post-failure period. Thus, the identification and classification of RBs and their inclusion in numerical studies are demanding, yet essential, since even small quantities of RBs can be decisive for rock slope stability. In our study, we demonstrate how brittle RB failure and pre-existing geological structures control the mechanisms of a polyphase rock slope failure. Therefore, we present a case study in the Austrian Alps, where three rock falls with a failure volume of 30,000 m3 occurred in 2019. Based on detailed process reconstructions, high-resolution terrain models, and comprehensive geological and rock mechanical investigations, we derived high-quality input for our distinct element model (DEM). By applying asymmetric Voronoi tessellation in the DEM, we modelled the coalescence of pre-existing geological structures by brittle RB failure. As a result, we identified toppling as the predominant failure mechanism at the study site. Distinctive geological structures decisively affected the failure mechanism. However, the toppling failure was only reproducible by incorporating RBs in the DEM in their pre-failure position. Finally, we found that joint persistence, and consequently the presence of potential RBs, controls which initial rock fall failure mechanism was developed. In conclusion, we state that the initial toppling failure of the Hüttschlag rock falls is controlled by non-persistent geological structures in interplay with RBs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.