Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

V shaped gully method for controlling rockfall on high-steep slopes in China

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Large, deep open-pit mining projects lead to rockfall, which becomes an engineering hazard second only to slope stability. The V shaped gully (V-gully) method introduced here was shown to have a significant effect on preventing rockfall through reduction of kinetic energy and rainfall discharge. The method, where a gravel cushion was laid on the V-gully surface, was applied in a typical open-pit mine. A drain dyke should be set at the bottom of the V-gully to discharge rainfall effectively. The slope stability analysis under different drainage rates was calculated by Modified Sarma (MSARMA) software. Slope stability, engineering activities and weathering condition of slope were taken into account to identify the rockfall prone areas. RocFall numerical software was used to calculate the effect of various angle V-gullies on the movements of various rockfall. A striking reduction in kinetic energy of rockfall was achieved, and the effects of V-gully protective measures were studied. Then, a system for controlling rockfall effectively and economically was designed for a particular slope according to the field situation. The effectiveness and reasonableness of design were evaluated through numerical simulations and field testing. This paper provides a theoretical and practical basis for a novel rockfall prevention technique on the high-steep slopes in similar engineering projects.

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
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Fig. 26
Fig. 27

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agliardi F, Crosta G (2003) High resolution three-dimensional numerical modelling of rockfalls. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 40(1):455–471

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alejano LR, Pons B, Bastante FG, Alonso E, Stockhausen HW (2007) Slope geometry design as a means for controlling rockfalls in quarries. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44(6):903–921

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Azzoni A, de Freitas M (1995) Experimentally gained parameters, decisive for rock fall analysis. Rock Mech Rock Eng 28(2):111–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Azzoni A, La Barbera G, Zaninetti A (1995) Analysis and prediction of rockfalls using a mathematical model. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 32(1):709–724

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bozzolo D, Pamini R (1986) Simulation of rock falls down a valley side. Acta Mech 63:113–130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chau KT, Wong RHC, Wu JJ (2002) Coefficient of restitution and rotational motions of rockfall impacts. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 39:69–77

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Descoeudres F, Zimmermann T (1987) Three-dimensional dynamic calculation of rockfalls. In: Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Rock Mechanics. Montreal: Balkema; 337–42

  • Giani GP, Giacomini A, Migliazza M, Segalini A (2004) Experimental and theoretical studies to improve rock fall analysis and protection work design. Rock Mech Rock Eng 37(5):369–389

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guzzetti F, Reichenbach P, Wieczorek GF (2003) Rockfall hazard and risk assessment in the Yosemite Valley, California. USA Nat Hazards Earth Syst Sci 3(1):491–503

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang R, Weihua L (2009) Platform resistent test on rolling rock blocks[J]. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 28(3):516–524 in Chinese

    Google Scholar 

  • Koleini M, Van Rooy JL (2011) Falling rock hazard index: a case study from the Marun dam and power plant, South-Western Iran. Bull Eng Geol Environ 70(2):279–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Notaro S, Paletto A (2012) The economic valuation of natural hazards in mountain forests: an approach based on the replacement cost method. J For Econ 18(4):318–328

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfeiffer T, Bowen T (1989) Computer simulation of rockfalls. Bull Assoc Eng Geol 26(1):135–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Piteau DR, Clayton R (1976) Description of the slope model computer rock fall program for determining rock fall distribution. DR Piteau and Associates

  • ROCSCIENCE (2002) RocFall user manual. Statistical analysis of Rockfalls. http://www.rocscience.com/roc/software/RocFall.htmS. Accessed 10 Dec 2005

  • RocScience Inc (2000) RocFall 4.0. Software for risk analysis of falling rocks on steep slopes[R]. RocScience Inc., Toronto

    Google Scholar 

  • Sadagah B (2015) Back analysis of a rockfall event and remedial measures along part of a mountainous road, western Saudi Arabia. Int J Innov Sci Mod Eng (IJISME) 3(2):2319–6386

    Google Scholar 

  • Saroglou H, Marinos V, Marinos P, Tsiambaos G (2012) Rockfall hazard and risk assessment: an example from a high promontory at the historical site of Monemvasia. Greece Nat Hazards Earth Syst Sci 12(6):1823–1836

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scioldo G (1991) Rotomap: analisi statistica del rotolamento dei massi. Patron, Guida Informatica Ambientale

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoffel M, Wehrli A, Kühne R, Dorren LKA, Perret S, Kienholz H (2006) Assessing the protective effect of mountain forests against rockfall using a 3D simulation model. For Ecol Manag 225(1–3):113–122

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao Z, Li Haipeng, Sun Guanglin, et. al. Development of monitoring and early warning system for landslides based on constant resistance and large deformation anchor cable and its application. Chin J Rock Soil Mech, 2015, 36(10): 3032–3040.(in Chinese)

  • Topal T, Akın M, Özden AU (2006) Analysis and evaluation of rockfall hazard around Afyon Castle. Turkey Environ Geol 53(1):191–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wehrli A, Zingg A, Bugmann H, Huth A (2005) Using a forest patch model to predict the dynamics of stand structure in Swiss mountain forests. For Ecol Manag 205(1):149–167

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wehrli A, Dorren LK, Berger F, Zingg A et al (2006) Modelling long-term effects of forest dynamics on the protective effect against rockfall. For Snow Landsc Res 80(1):57–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang Y, Yingqing Z, Ruiqi J et al (2005) Theory and practice of slope geological disaster flexible protection [M]. Science Press, Beijing (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang X, Dinggui H, Zhenli H et al (2016) Research on correlations between slope stability and rainfall of high steep slope on Nanfen open-pit iron ore. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 35(Supp.1):3232–3240 in Chinese

    Google Scholar 

  • Ye S, Hongkai C, Hongmei T (2010) Computing method of Rockfall impact force[J]. Chin Railway Sci 31(6):57–61 in Chinese

    Google Scholar 

  • Yilmaz I, Yildirim M, Keskin I (2008) A method for mapping the spatial distribution of RockFall computer program analyses results using ArcGIS software. Bull Eng Geol Environ 67(4):547–554

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We hereby express our sincere thanks to Academician He Manchao from the Benxi Steel (Group) Nanfen Open-pit Iron Mine and the State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, Beijing for his great support for this project. This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation Item of China (No. 41502323) and Beijing Natural Science Foundation of China (8142032).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130026, China

    Zhu Chun

  2. State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics & Deep Underground Engineering, Beijing, 100083, China

    Zhu Chun, Tao Zhigang & Zhao Shuai

  3. School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, 100083, China

    Zhu Chun, Tao Zhigang & Zhao Shuai

  4. School of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China

    Yang Sen

Authors
  1. Zhu Chun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tao Zhigang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yang Sen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zhao Shuai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Zhu Chun or Tao Zhigang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chun, Z., Zhigang, T., Sen, Y. et al. V shaped gully method for controlling rockfall on high-steep slopes in China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78, 2731–2747 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-018-1269-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-018-1269-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation