Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Modeling scale effects on consequent slope deformation by centrifuge model tests and the discrete elementmethod

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Landslides Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A consequent slope comprises weak planes in the same dip direction along a slope face. This study investigated scale effects on the gravitational deformation of consequent slopes. A series of centrifuge model tests under simplified environmental conditions were performed. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was then adopted to evaluate the displacement distribution from the centrifuge model test results. On the basis of the PIV results, the relationship between slope deformation and surface settlement was investigated. Subsequently, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to execute simulations to provide detailed descriptions of the crack development and failure mechanisms associated with consequent slopes at different scales. The results of this study are summarized as follows. (1) The slopes exhibited similar deformation patterns in the centrifuge model tests. As the gravitational force increased, the magnitude of slope deformation increased significantly. (2) A modified dimensional relationship of material parameters was proposed for DEM simulation. According to this relationship, the simulated deformation patterns were in strong agreement with the actual deformations at various slope scales. (3) According to the DEM simulations, for the slopes with the same slope and weak plane angles, more cracks and displacements were generated in the higher slopes, leading to a greater sliding volume.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bandis SC, Lumsden AC, Barton NR (1983) Fundamentals of rock joint deformation. International Journal of Rock Mechanics Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts 20:249–268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bell F (1978) Foundation engineering in difficult ground. Newnes-Butterworth, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Broili L (1967) New knowledge on the geomorphology of the Vajont slide slip surface. Rock Mechanics & Engineering Geology 5(1):38–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang YL, Chen TH, Weng MC (2012) Modeling particle rolling behavior by the modified eccentric circle model of DEM. Rock Mech Rock Eng 45:851–862

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chigira M (1992) Long-term gravitational deformation of rocks by mass rock creep. Eng Geol 32:157–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans SG (2006) Single-event landslides resulting from massive rock slope failure: characterizing their frequency and impact on society. In Landslides from massive rock slope failure. Dordrecht, 53–73. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-4037-5_2

  • Goodman RE, Taylor RL, Brekke TL (1968) A model for the mechanics of jointed rock. J Soil Mech Found Div, ASCE, 94(3):637–659

  • Hsieh YM, Li HH, Huang TH, Jeng FS (2008) Interpretations on how the macroscopic mechanical behavior of sandstone affected by microscopic properties—revealed by bonded-particle model. Eng Geol 99:1–10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang R (2007) Large-scale landslides and their sliding mechanisms in China since the 20th century. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 26(3):433–454 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hung JJ (2002) A study on the failure and stability of dip slopes. J Sino-Geotech 94:5–18 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hung JJ (2010) A study on the failure and disaster prevention of dip slopes. Journal of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering 94:5–18 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Khosravi MH, Tang L, Pipatpongsa T, Takemura J, Doncommul P (2012) Performance of counterweight balance on stability of undercut slope evaluated by physical modeling. Int J Geotech Eng 6(2):193–205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kvapil R, Clews KM (1979) An examination of the Prandtl mechanism in large-dimension slope failures. Trans Inst Min Metall, Sect A: Mining Industry 88:A1–A5

    Google Scholar 

  • Lo CM, Feng ZY (2014) Deformation characteristics of slate slopes associated with morphology and creep. Eng Geol 178:132–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lo CM, Weng MC (2016) Identification of deformation and failure characteristics in cataclinal slopes using physical modeling. Landslides. doi:10.1007/s10346-016-0735

    Google Scholar 

  • Lo CM, Li HH, Ke CC (2015) Kinematic model of a translational slide in the Cidu section of the Formosan freeway. Landslides. doi:10.1007/s10346-015-0650-x

    Google Scholar 

  • Potyondy DO, Cundall PA (2004) A bonded-particle model for rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41(8):1329–1364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raffel M, Willert CE, Wereley S, Kompenhans J (2007) Particle image velocimetry: a practical guide. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg

  • Tang CL, Hu JC, Lin ML, Angelier J, Lu CY, Chan YC (2009) The Tsaoling landslide triggered by the Chi-Chi earthquake, Taiwan: insights from a discrete element simulation. Eng Geol 106:1–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor RN (2003) Geotechnical centrifuge technology. Blackie Academic, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Tung SH, Weng MC, Shih MH (2013) Measuring the in situ deformation of retaining walls by the digital image correlation method. Eng Geol 166:116–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varnes DJ (1978) Slope movement types and processes. Transportation Research Board, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang L, Hwang JH, Luo Z, Juang CH, Xiao J (2013) Probabilistic back analysis of slope failure-a case study in Taiwan. Comput Geotech 51:12–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weng MC, Li HH (2012) Relationship between the deformation characteristics and microscopic properties of sandstone explored by the bonded-particle model. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 56:34–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Weng MC, Wu MH, Ning SK, Jou YW (2011) Evaluating triggering and causative factors of landslides in Lawnon River Basin, Taiwan. Eng Geol 123:72–82

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weng MC, Lo CM, Wu CC, Chuang TF (2015) Gravitational deformation mechanisms of slate slope revealed by model test and discrete element analysis. Eng Geol 189:116–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wyllie DC, Mah CW (2004) Rock slope engineering: civil and mining, fourth edn. Taylor & Francis, Leiden

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie YS, Zhao YS (2009) Numerical simulation of the top coal caving process using the discrete element method. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 46:983–991

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JH, Chen ZY, Wang XG (2007) Centrifuge modeling of rock slopes susceptible to block toppling. Rock Mech Rock Engng 40(4):363–382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zischinsky U (1966) On the deformation of high slopes. International Society for Rock Mechanics, Lisbon 2:179–185

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan for financially supporting this research under Contract MOST 103-2625-M-390-004 and MOST 104-2625-M-390-001.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Meng-Chia Weng & Ta-Chun Chen

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Shang-Jyun Tsai

Authors
  1. Meng-Chia Weng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ta-Chun Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Shang-Jyun Tsai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Meng-Chia Weng.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Weng, MC., Chen, TC. & Tsai, SJ. Modeling scale effects on consequent slope deformation by centrifuge model tests and the discrete elementmethod. Landslides 14, 981–993 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-016-0774-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-016-0774-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation