Toppling rock slope failures examples of analysis and stabilization

Abstract

Toppling Rock Slope Failures — Examples of Analysis and Stabilization Three case histories of toppling failures of rock slopes, and the methods used to ensure that failure did not disrupt operations below the slope, are described. The application of Goodman and Bray's limit equilibrium analysis of multi-block failures to these three slopes is demonstrated. The first failure occurred in a 20 m high granite slope that was stabilized by removing the top 6 m and installing a number of tensioned rock anchors in the toe. The second failure occurred in a sequence of folded sandstone, shale and coal. This slide was too large to stabilize, so the movement rate was monitored while mining continued in the pit below until shortly before failure took place. In the third failure, the top 8 m of a single 12 m high toppling block was removed by blasting to prevent further rotational movement.