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Stability analysis of rock slopes using kinematic analysis and numerical modeling: Foça–Bağarası State Highway, Turkey

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Abstract

Slope failures along road cuts and highways pose significant threats to motorists and pedestrians. In this study, the stability of rock slopes along the Foça–Bağarası (FB) Highway in Turkey has been investigated using kinematic analysis and numerical modeling. The investigations were conducted at five survey stations along the highway. The results of the kinematic analysis showed that the joint sets at all the five stations along the FB Highway formed critical intersections that could result in wedge failures. Also, the kinematic analysis results showed significant toppling failure risks along the highway. The results of the finite element analysis showed that the slopes at some of the stations were in a critical state even without the influence of pore pressure. Also, the results showed that should the piezometric surface (or water table) rise to the mid-section of the slopes or higher, there would be a great likelihood of failures occurring. In addition, Strength Reduction Factor values calculated under seismic conditions showed that the slopes had a great vulnerability to seismic activity. The numerical modeling results were consistent with the kinematic analysis results as well as field observations and showed that the FB highway slopes stood a great risk of failure, especially during periods of major rainfall or seismic activity.

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The datasets produced during and/or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, People’s Republic of China

    Mawuko Luke Yaw Ankah

  2. Geological Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Dokuz Eylul University, Tınaztepe Campus, 35160, Izmir, Turkey

    Cem Kincal

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  1. Mawuko Luke Yaw Ankah
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  2. Cem Kincal
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Correspondence to Mawuko Luke Yaw Ankah.

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Ankah, M.L.Y., Kincal, C. Stability analysis of rock slopes using kinematic analysis and numerical modeling: Foça–Bağarası State Highway, Turkey. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. 8, 5225–5233 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-022-01454-y

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