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Stability Analysis of Rock Slopes Against Block-Flexure Toppling Failure

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Abstract

Block-flexure is the most common type of toppling failure in rock slopes. In this case, some rock blocks fail due to tensile bending stresses and some overturn under their own weights. In this paper, first, a literature review of toppling failures is summarized. Then, a theoretical model is proposed for rock slopes with a potential for block-flexure toppling instability. Next, a new analytical approach is presented for the stability analysis of such slopes. Finally, a special computer code is developed for a quick stability assessment of the failures based on the proposed method. This code receives the rock slope parameters from the user as the input data and predicts its stability, along with the corresponding factor of safety against the failure, as the output. In addition, two case studies are used for practical verification of the proposed approach and the corresponding computer code as well.

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Abbreviations

δ :

Angle of rock mass stratification with respect to the horizon

α :

Angle of total failure plane with respect to the horizon

θ :

Angle of face slope with respect to the horizon

H :

Slope height

t :

Thickness of rock columns

n :

Number of rock columns, numbered from bottom to top

P :

Inter-column normal force acting at the common boundary of rock columns

Q :

Inter-column shear force acting at the common boundary of rock columns

x :

Point of application of the inter-column normal force (P)

h :

Length of the rock column

W :

Weight of the rock column

N :

Normal force acting at the base of the rock column

S :

Shear force acting at the base of the rock column

e :

Point of application of the base normal force (N)

M :

Bending moment

φ 1 :

Frictional angle at the common boundary of rock columns

φ 2 :

Frictional angle at the base of rock columns

φ 3 :

Frictional angle of intact rock samples

c :

Cohesive strength of intact rock samples

σ t :

Uniaxial tensile strength of rock columns

σ yt :

Tensile stress of rock columns

f:

Flexure toppling failure

b:

Block toppling failure

sh:

Shearing failure

t:

Toppling failure

s:

Sliding failure

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Acknowledgments

The authors express their sincere thanks to Prof. Ömer Aydan from Tokai University, Shizuoka, Japan, for his invaluable help and guidance throughout this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

    Mehdi Amini & Mohammad Amin Veshadi

  2. School of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Abbas Majdi

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  1. Mehdi Amini
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  2. Abbas Majdi
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  3. Mohammad Amin Veshadi
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Correspondence to Mehdi Amini.

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Amini, M., Majdi, A. & Veshadi, M.A. Stability Analysis of Rock Slopes Against Block-Flexure Toppling Failure. Rock Mech Rock Eng 45, 519–532 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-012-0220-7

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