Abstract
In this study, a numerical model for long-term deformation and progressive failure of rock slope is presented. The model accounts for both rock heterogeneity and the initiation, activation, nucleation, and coalescence of cracks in rock slope through a stochastic local stress field and local rock degradation by using an exponential softening law. The time-dependent behaviour of rocks is taken as a macroscopic consequence of damage evolution and strength degradation in microstructure. A series of demonstrative slope cases containing preexisting joints are constructed and investigated. The slope instability occurs at a particular point in time when the rock strength is reduced to a certain value. The temporal and spatial evolution of joint linkage structures is numerically obtained, which clearly shows how the local stress field and damage evolution within the joint network contribute to the fracture pattern and the long-term instability. Then, a practical slope case in jointed and layered rock formations in Yunyang city is studied. The prevailing failure phenomena of the slope, including gradual surface scaling, sliding collapses, and block falling, are numerically reproduced, with an emphasis placed on the slope failure process and development tendency. There is a good agreement on the failure mode and instability time between the numerical simulations and the field observations.
Highlights
In recent years, numerical methods have led to significant developments in the analysis of rock slope stability
Stead et al [10] analyzed varied failure mechanisms of slope using a combined FEM/DEM method, in which the importance of the consideration of damage, fatigue, and time was emphasized. e physical properties of the slope can be affected by the boundary conditions of the rock mass and subsequent stress redistribution, cyclic loading, and near-surface physical, chemical, and biological weathering reactions, which can drive progressive development of fractures through intact rock connecting nonpersistent discontinuities [2, 11,12,13,14]
Comparing the experimental results with numerical simulations, it is found that the proposed model is suitable to investigate the rheological behaviour and time-dependent response of rocks
Summary
Numerical methods have led to significant developments in the analysis of rock slope stability. E physical properties of the slope can be affected by the boundary conditions of the rock mass and subsequent stress redistribution, cyclic loading (e.g., thermal- or hydro-mechanical loading), and near-surface physical, chemical, and biological weathering reactions, which can drive progressive development of fractures through intact rock connecting nonpersistent discontinuities [2, 11,12,13,14]. Such accumulated damage reduces the strength of rock mass and contributes to the failure of slope [15]. As an alternative approach, a rheological model based a strength-degradation law was employed and implemented in RFPA [46]. en, numerical simulations were performed and attempted to gain an insight into the mechanism of time-dependent deformation and damage evolution of jointed rock slopes
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