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Assessment of complex rock slope stability at Xiari, southwestern China

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Abstract

Detailed engineering geological studies and stability assessments were carried out on Xiari rock slope in southwestern China. Geomorphic analysis of digital elevation models, detailed structural field mapping and boreholes data indicate that the slope has a poor rock mass quality and complex deformation mechanism. The necessary rock mass parameters were determined by means of slope mass rating (SMR), geomechanic classification system (Q) and geological strength index (GSI). Slope stability analyses were performed by means of kinematic, limit equilibrium and numerical modeling techniques. Analyses results indicate that slope stability is mainly controlled by the discontinuities. The combination of discontinuities and topography makes the slope susceptible for a large landslide. The major potential mode of slope failure is planar failure. Planar failure has a higher probability in comparison to wedge failure, while wedge failure contributes towards a more severe hazard, like the landslide in part A of the study area. Numerical analysis results indicate a catastrophic landslide in the future, with a volume estimated to be more than 2.5 × 106 m3.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41272328).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China

    Changqing Qi, Jimin Wu & Jin Liu

  2. CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, 247667, India

    Debi Prasanna Kanungo

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  1. Changqing Qi
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  2. Jimin Wu
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  3. Jin Liu
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  4. Debi Prasanna Kanungo
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Correspondence to Changqing Qi.

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Qi, C., Wu, J., Liu, J. et al. Assessment of complex rock slope stability at Xiari, southwestern China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 75, 537–550 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-015-0763-4

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