Abstract
Soft and hard interbedded bedding rock slopes, which is prone to failure, are widely distributed in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Limit equilibrium method (LEM) is commonly used to analyze the stability of bedding rock slopes that have a single failure plane. However, this method cannot accurately estimate the stability of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes because the strength parameters of a soft and hard interbedded rock mass vary spatially along the bedding plane and deteriorate with time due to periodic fluctuations of reservoir level. A modified LEM is proposed to evaluate the stability evolution of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes considering the spatial variation and temporal deterioration of shear strength parameters of rock masses and bedding planes. In the modified LEM, the S-curve model is used to define the spatial variation of shear strength parameters, and general deterioration equations of shear strength parameters with the increasing number of wetting-drying cycles (WDC) are proposed to describe the temporal deterioration. Also, this method is applied to evaluate the stability evolution of a soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slope, located at the Three Gorges Reservoir. The results show that neglecting the spatial variation and temporal deterioration of shear strength parameters may overestimate slope stability. Finally, the modified LEM provides useful guidance to reasonably evaluate the long-term stability of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes in reservoir area.
Data Availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
References
Cheng YM, Lansivaara T, Wei WB (2007) Two-dimensional slope stability analysis by limit equilibrium and strength reduction methods. Comp Geotech 34(3): 137–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2006.10.011
Deng DP, Li L, Zhao LH (2017a) Limit equilibrium method (LEM) of slope stability and calculation of comprehensive factor of safety with double strength-reduction technique. J Mt Sci 14(11): 2311–2324. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-017-4537-2
Deng DP, Li L, Zhao LH (2017b) LEM for stability analysis of 3D slopes with general-shaped slip surfaces. Int J Geomech 17(10): 06017017. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000987
Deng HF, Li JL, Zhu M, et al. (2012) Experimental research on strength deterioration rules of sandstone under “saturation-air dry” circulation function. Rock Soil Mech 33(11): 3306–3313. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.16285/j.rsm.2012.11.015
Deng HF, Zhou ML, Li JL, et al. (2016) Mechanical properties deteriorating change rule research of red-layer soft rock under water-rock interaction. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 35(S2): 3481–3491. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.13722/j.cnki.jrme.2016.0810
Deng HF, Duan LL, Zhi YY, et al. (2018) Evolution of shear mechanical properties of jointed surface under dry-wet cycle. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 37(S2): 3958–3967. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.13722/j.cnki.jrme.2018.0667
Dong ML, Zhang FM, Lv JQ, et al. (2020) Study on deformation and failure law of soft-hard rock interbedding toppling slope base on similar test. Bull Eng Geol Environ 79(9): 4625–4637. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-020-01845-4
Fang JC, Deng HF, Qi Y, et al. (2019) Analysis of Changes in the Micromorphology of Sandstone Joint Surface under Dry-Wet Cycling. Adv Mater Sci Eng 2019: Article 8758203. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8758203
Feng J, Zhang YB, He JX, et al. (2022) Dynamic response and failure evolution of low-angled interbedding soft and hard stratum rock slope under earthquake. Bull Eng Geol Environ 81(10): 400. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-02910-w
Geological Engineering Handbook Editorial Committee (2018) Geological Engineering Handbook (Fifth Edition). China Architecture & Building Press, Beijing, China. pp 665–668. (In Chinese)
Guo JC, Zheng J, Lü Q, et al. (2023) Estimation of fracture size and azimuth in the universal elliptical disc model based on trace information. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 15(6): 1391–1405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2022.07.018
Guo JJ, Wu ZW, Liu K (2023) Stability analysis of soft-hard-interbedded anti-inclined rock slope. Sci Rep 13(1): 1643. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28657-2
Hale PA, Shakoor A (2003) A laboratory investigation of the effects of cyclic heating and cooling, wetting and drying, and freezing and thawing on the compressive strength of selected sandstones. Environ Eng Geosci 9(2): 117–130. https://doi.org/10.2113/9.2.117
Huang RQ (2008) Formation and mechanical analysis of Tiantai landslide of Xuanhan county, Sichuan province. In: Chen et al. (eds), Proceedings of the Tenth International Symposium on Landslides and Engineered Slopes. CRC press, Xian, China. pp 134–138.
Huang RQ (2009) Some catastrophic landslides since the twentieth century in the southwest of China. Landslides 6(1): 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-009-0142-y
Kang JT, Wu Q, Tang HM, et al. (2019) Strength degradation mechanism of soft and hard interbedded rock masses of Badong formation caused by rock/discontinuity degradation. Earth Sci 44(11): 3950–3960. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2019.110
Khanlari G, Abdilor Y (2015) Influence of wet–dry, freeze–thaw, and heat–cool cycles on the physical and mechanical properties of Upper Red sandstones in central Iran. Bull Eng Geol Environ 74(4): 1287–1300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-014-0691-8
Li SY, Wu Q, Wang LQ, et al. (2023) Seismic behavior analysis of soft and hard interbedded rock slope considering vibration deterioration of discontinuities at the interface between different rock types in meizoseismal area—a case study. Bull Eng Geol Environ 82(1): 14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-03036-9
Liu CH, Jaksa MB, Meyers AG (2008) Improved analytical solution for toppling stability analysis of rock slopes. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 45(8): 1361–1372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2008.01.009
Liu XR, Fu Y, Wang YX, et al. (2008) Deterioration rules of shear strength of sand rock under water-rock interaction of reservoir. Chin J Geotech Eng (9):1298–1302. (In Chinese)
Liu XR, He CM, Liu SL, et al. (2018a) Dynamic response and failure mode of slopes with horizontal soft and hard interbeddings under frequent microseisms. Arab J Sci Eng 43(10): 5397–5411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-018-3143-0
Liu XR, Jin MH, Li DL, et al. (2018b) Strength deterioration of a Shaly sandstone under dry–wet cycles: a case study from the Three Gorges Reservoir area in China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 77(4): 1607–1621. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-017-1107-3
Liu XR, Wang ZJ, Fu Y, et al. (2017) Strength and failure criterion of argillaceous sandstone under dry-wet cycles. Rock Soil Mech 38(12): 3395–3401. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.16285/j.rsm.2017.12.001
Liu Y, Huang D, Peng JB, et al. (2022) Influences of layer combination on fracture behaviour of soft-hard interbedded rock layers using three-point-bending test. Theor Appl Fract Mech 122: 103671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tafmec.2022.103671
Liu YR, Tang HM (2008) Rock Mechanics. Chemical Industry Press, Beijing, China. pp 175–184. (In Chinese)
Moawwez MA, Wang JP, Hussain MA (2021) Development of empirical correlations for limit equilibrium methods of slope stability analysis. Arab J Geosci 14(19): 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08375-7
Moni M, Sazzad M (2015) Stability analysis of slopes with surcharge by LEM and FEM. Int J Adv Struct Geotech Eng 4(4): 216–225.
Ning YB, Tang HM, Wang F, et al. (2019) Sensitivity analysis of toppling deformation for interbedded anti-inclined rock slopes based on the Grey relation method. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78: 6017–6032. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-019-01505-2
Raghuvanshi TK (2019) Plane failure in rock slopes—A review on stability analysis techniques. J King Saud Univ-Sci 31(1): 101–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2017.06.004
Renani HR, Martin CD, Varona P, et al. (2019) Stability analysis of slopes with spatially variable strength properties. Rock Mech Rock Eng 52: 3791–3808. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-019-01828-2
Song K, Lu GD, Zhang GD, et al. (2017) Influence of uncertainty in the initial groundwater table on long-term stability of reservoir landslides. Bull Eng Geol Environ 76: 901–908. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-016-0909-z
Tan QW, Tang HM, Huang L, et al. (2018) LSP methodology for determining the optimal stabilizing pile location for step-shaped soil sliding. Eng Geol 232: 56–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.11.005
Tang HM, Zou ZX, Xiong CR, et al. (2015) An evolution model of large consequent bedding rockslides, with particular reference to the Jiweishan rockslide in Southwest China. Eng Geol 186: 17–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2014.08.021
Tang HM, Yong R, Eldin M.A.M.E (2017) Stability analysis of stratified rock slopes with spatially variable strength parameters: the case of Qianjiangping landslide. Bull Eng Geol Environ 76(3): 839–853. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-016-0876-4
Wang JJ, Liu MN, Qiu ZF, et al. (2019) Effects of wetting–drying cycles on strain–stress relationship from triaxial test of a mudstone mixture. Geotech Geol Eng 37(2): 1039–1045. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-018-0632-6
Wang SS, Xie XB, Xiao CC, et al. (2015) Impact of cyclic wetting and drying on stability of sandstone slope. Min Metall Eng 35(6): 20–24. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.0253-6099.2015.06.005
Wu Q, Jiang YF, Tang HM, et al. (2020) Experimental and numerical studies on the evolution of shear behaviour and damage of natural discontinuities at the interface between different rock types. Rock Mech Rock Eng 53(8): 3721–3744. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-020-02129-9
Wu Q, Kulatilake PHSW, Tang HM (2011) Comparison of rock discontinuity mean trace length and density estimation methods using discontinuity data from an outcrop in Wenchuan area, China. Comput Geotech 38(2): 258–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2010.12.003
Wu Q, Kulatilake PHSW (2012a) REV and its properties on fracture system and mechanical properties, and an orthotropic constitutive model for a jointed rock mass in a dam site in China. Comput Geotech 43: 124–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2012.02.010
Wu Q, Kulatilake PHSW (2012b) Application of equivalent continuum and discontinuum stress analyses in three-dimensions to investigate stability of a rock tunnel in a dam site in China. Comput Geotech 46: 48–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2012.05.013
Wu Q, Liu YX, Tang HM, et al. (2023) Experimental study of the influence of wetting and drying cycles on the strength of intact rock samples from a red stratum in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Eng Geol 314: 107013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2023.107013
Wu Q, Meng Z, Tang HM, et al. (2022) Experimental Investigation on Weakening of Discontinuities at the Interface Between Different Rock Types Induced by Wetting and Drying Cycles. Rock Mech Rock Eng 55: 1179–1195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-021-02731-5
Wu Q, Tang HM, Ma XH, et al. (2019a) Identification of movement characteristics and causal factors of the Shuping landslide based on monitored displacements. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78(3): 2093–2106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-018-1237-2
Wu Q, Wang XH, Tang HM, et al. (2019b) Shear property and water-induced deterioration of discontinuities between different types of rocks in Badong formation. Rock Soil Mech 40(5): 1881–1889+1897. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.16285/j.rsm.2018.0184
Wu Q, Xu YJ, Tang HM, et al. (2018) Investigation on the shear properties of discontinuities at the interface between different rock types in the Badong formation, China. Eng Geol 245: 280–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.09.002
Xin P, Wang T, Wu SR (2018) A study of the formation mechanism of Caizigou large-scale translational gliding landslide in Neogene mudstone basin of Xining–Minhe, Qinghai Province. Acta Geosci Sin 39(3): 342–350. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.3975/cagsb.2018.030501
Xu B, Liu XR, Zhou XH, et al. (2022) Investigations on the macro-meso cumulative damage mechanism of the discontinuities in soft-hard interbedded rock mass under pre-peak cyclic shear loading. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 158: 105184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2022.105184
Yang XL, Dong JY, Cai WC (2021) Seismic dynamic responses and acoustic emission criteria of a horizontal soft-hard interbedded slope. Arab J Geosci 14: 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08417-0
Yong R, Li CD, Ye J, et al. (2016) Modified limiting equilibrium method for stability analysis of stratified rock slopes. Math Probl Eng 2016: Article 8381021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8381021
Yuan W, Liu XR, Fu Y (2018) Study on deterioration of strength parameters of sandstone under the action of dry–wet cycles in acid and alkaline environment. Arab J Sci Eng 43(1): 335–348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-017-2870-y
Zeng L, Yu HC, Liu J, et al. (2021) Mechanical behaviour of disintegrated carbonaceous mudstone under stress and cyclic drying/wetting. Constr Build Mater 282: 122656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122656
Zhang WG, Meng FS, Chen FY, et al. (2021) Effects of spatial variability of weak layer and seismic randomness on rock slope stability and reliability analysis. Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 146: 106753. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2021.106735
Zhang JY, Deng HF, Sun XS, et al. (2022) Study on relationship between joint surface’s shear strength and morphology parameter deterioration of typical bank slope in Wudongde. Adv Mater Sci Eng 2022: Article 7893477. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7893477
Zhang WJ, Ji J, Gao YF (2020) SPH-based analysis of the post-failure flow behavior for soft and hard interbedded earth slope. Eng Geol 267: 105446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2019.105446
Zhang ZH, Jiang QH, Zhou CB, et al. (2014) Strength and failure characteristics of Jurassic Red-Bed sandstone under cyclic wetting–drying conditions. Geophys J Int 198(2): 1034–1044. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggu181
Zhang ZH, Wang Y (2019) Degradation mechanism of shear strength and compressive strength of red sandstone in drawdown areas during reservoir operation. Chin J Geotech Eng 41(7): 1217–1226. (In Chinese)
Zheng ZY, Yu HB, Xu HQ (2016) Numerical analysis of failure modes and stability of soft and hard rock interbedded slope. J Yangtze River Sci Res Inst 33(9): 102–106. (In Chinese) https://doi.org/10.11988/ckyyb.20150661
Zheng J, Guo JC, Wang JC, et al. (2022) A universal elliptical disc (UED) model to represent natural rock fractures. Int J Mining Sci Technol 32(2): 261–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2021.12.001
Zhu DY, Lee CF, Jiang HD (2003) Generalised framework of limit equilibrium methods for slope stability analysis. Geotechnique 53(4): 377–395. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2003.53.4.377
Zou ZX, Tang HM, Xiong CR, et al. (2012) Geomechanical Model of progressive failure for large consequent bedding rockslide and its stability analysis. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 31(11): 2222–2230 (In Chinese)
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 42377182 and 42090054) and the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2022YFC3080200). The authors express their gratitude for this financial assistance.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
WU Qiong, ZHANG Bo: Methodology, Conceptualization, Visualization, Data curation, Data analysis, Writing-original draft, Writing-review & editing. WU Qiong, TANG Hui-ming: Methodology, Supervision, Funding acquisition. WANG Di, LIU Zhi-qi, LIN Zhi-wei: Data analysis, Writing-review & editing.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wu, Q., Zhang, B., Tang, Hm. et al. Theoretical study on stability evolution of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes. J. Mt. Sci. 20, 2744–2755 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-023-8073-y
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-023-8073-y