scholarly journals Interaction of Strength and Stress in High, Steep Rock Slopes

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
John Victor Smith
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Soil Mechanics ◽  
Slope Angle ◽  
Precise Determination ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Confining Stress ◽  
Slope Engineering ◽  
Steep Slopes

The strength of rock mass and the stress in a slope are each complex fields of investigation. They are also intimately related as increasing confining stress makes a rock mass stronger and the strength of a rock mass can limit the magnitude of stress. Whereas these interactions are comparatively well understood for soils, principally through the advances of laboratory soil mechanics, the scale of rock masses, principally the presence of discontinuity surfaces, limits the capacity for laboratory investigation. The interaction of strength and stress in rock slopes is most evident in high, steep slopes where stress is typically greater. The slope angle and failure mechanisms occurring in the rock slope can reveal the ways that strength and stress interact to produce the observed morphology. McKay Bluff, near Nelson, South Island, New Zealand, is a high, steep rock slope affected by marine coastal erosion at its base. Finite element modeling illustrates sensitivities in determination of the stress magnitude in the slope. Engineering geology methods demonstrate the difficulty in precise determination of the rock mass strength. The ranges of these parameters are compared to find a compatible range for the interacting factors. The stress in a range of other high, steep slope types is reviewed and the implications for geomorphic analysis are discussed.

scholarly journals Assessment of Slope Instability and Risk Analysis of Road Cut Slopes in Lashotor Pass, Iran

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hossein Taherynia ◽  
Mojtaba Mohammadi ◽  
Rasoul Ajalloeian
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Rock Slope Stability ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Cut Slopes ◽  
Road Cut Slopes

Assessment of the stability of natural and artificial rock slopes is an important topic in the rock mechanics sciences. One of the most widely used methods for this purpose is the classification of the slope rock mass. In the recent decades, several rock slope classification systems are presented by many researchers. Each one of these rock mass classification systems uses different parameters and rating systems. These differences are due to the diversity of affecting parameters and the degree of influence on the rock slope stability. Another important point in rock slope stability is appraisal hazard and risk analysis. In the risk analysis, the degree of danger of rock slope instability is determined. The Lashotor pass is located in the Shiraz-Isfahan highway in Iran. Field surveys indicate that there are high potentialities of instability in the road cut slopes of the Lashotor pass. In the current paper, the stability of the rock slopes in the Lashotor pass is studied comprehensively with different classification methods. For risk analyses, we estimated dangerous area by use of the RocFall software. Furthermore, the dangers of falling rocks for the vehicles passing the Lashotor pass are estimated according to rockfall hazard rating system.

Foraging in the limpet Patella vulgata: the influence of rock slope on the timing of activity

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 881-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gray A. Williams ◽  
Colin Little ◽  
David Morritt ◽  
Penny Stirling ◽  
Linda Teagle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rock Slope ◽  
Large Degree ◽  
Head Orientation ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Patella Vulgata ◽  
South West ◽  
Steep Slopes ◽  
Lough Hyne

Preliminary observations of limpet activity at Lough Hyne, in south-west Ireland, showed that individuals on steep slopes were primarily active at night, when emersed; while those on near-horizontal rocks were often active during daytime submersion. Observations of limpet populations over an 11 d period of limpet populations on a near-vertical and a near-horizontal site, only 45 m apart, confirmed that animals on the near-vertical site were active on nocturnal low tides, whilst those on the near-horizontal site were active on daytime high waters. A short-term survey at ten sites, which had limpets on both extremes of slope (i.e. either near-vertical or near-horizontal), showed that limpets on near-horizontal surfaces were, on average, more active at daytime high waters than those on near-vertical faces. In 1996 and 1997 surveys of activity at daytime high, and nocturnal low waters were conducted at sites (14–15) with varying rock slopes (∼3–87°). In all cases, limpets on more steep slopes were active at nocturnal emersion whilst animals on more gentle slopes were active on daytime submersion periods. In most cases these trends were significant and explained between 22–40% and 37–44% of the variation in activity with site in 1996 and 1997 respectively. Analysis of the head orientation of limpets on their home scars showed that animals orientated in a down shore direction at all sites (1997 data) suggesting that limpets do perceive and respond to slope. Whilst slope does appear to influence the timing of limpets' activity (and especially on very steep or gently sloping sites) it does not account for a large degree of the variation in activity and, on sites with slopes between 30 and 60°, is likely to work in combination with other factors.

scholarly journals Permafrost distribution in steep rock slopes in Norway: measurements, statistical modelling and implications for geomorphological processes

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1019-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Magnin ◽  
Bernd Etzelmüller ◽  
Sebastian Westermann ◽  
Ketil Isaksen ◽  
Paula Hilger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rock Slope ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Permafrost Degradation ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Northern Norway ◽  
Precise Knowledge ◽  
Discontinuous Permafrost ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Steep Slopes ◽  
North And South

Abstract. Permafrost in steep rock slopes has been increasingly studied since the early 2000s in conjunction with a growing number of rock slope failures, which likely resulted from permafrost degradation. In Norway, rock slope destabilization is a widespread phenomenon and a major source of risk for the population and infrastructure. However, a lack of precise knowledge of the permafrost distribution in steep slopes hinders the assessment of its role in these destabilizations. This study proposes the first nationwide permafrost probability map for the steep slopes of Norway (CryoWall map). It is based on a multiple linear regression model fitted with multi-annual rock surface temperature (RST) measurements, collected at 25 rock slope sites, spread across a latitudinal transect (59–69∘ N) over mainland Norway. The CryoWall map suggests that discontinuous permafrost widely occurs above 1300–1400 and 1600–1700 m a.s.l. in the north and south rock faces of southern Norway (59∘ N), respectively. This lower altitudinal limit decreases in northern Norway (70∘ N) by about 500±50 m, with a more pronounced decrease for south faces, as a result of the insolation patterns largely driven by midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter. Similarly, the mean annual RST differences between north and south faces of similar elevation range around 1.5 ∘C in northern Norway and 3.5 ∘C in southern Norway. The CryoWall map is evaluated against direct ice observations in steep slopes and discussed in the context of former permafrost studies in various types of terrain in Norway. We show that permafrost can occur at much lower elevations in steep rock slopes than in other terrains, especially in north faces. We demonstrate that the CryoWall map is a valuable basis for further investigations related to permafrost in steep slopes in terms of both practical concerns and fundamental science.

scholarly journals STABILITY OF RUBBLE MOUND BREAKWATERS WITH A BERM

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (33) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Marcel Van Gent ◽  
Gregory M. Smith ◽  
Ivo Van der Werf
Keyword(s):  
Rock Slope ◽  
Slope Angle ◽  
Rock Slope Stability ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Physical Model Tests ◽  
Rubble Mound ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Rubble Mound Breakwaters ◽  
Rock Size

The stability of rock slopes with a horizontal berm has been studied by means of physical model tests. This paper is focussed on the rock slope stability of the slopes above and below the berm. By applying a berm the rock size can be reduced compared to the required rock size for a straight slope without a berm. This reduction can be significant for the slope above the berm. The influence of the slope angle (1:2 and 1:4), the width of the berm, the level of the berm, and the wave steepness have been investigated. Based on the test results prediction formulae have been derived to quantify the required rock size for rubble mound breakwaters with a berm.

Fuzzy Rock Mass Rating

2018 ◽  
pp. 97-131
Author(s):  
Ahmet Gunes Yardimci ◽  
Celal Karpuz
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Slope Angle ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Weak Rocks ◽  
Mass Properties ◽  
Mass Classification ◽  
The Common ◽  
Graphical Presentation

Rock mass classification systems are the most commonly used empirical tools in preliminary design of rock slopes. In spite of numerous advantages, these systems lack the common drawbacks of classification systems originated from uncertainties. These drawbacks may lead to similar or so close quality scores for different rock mass properties. Fuzzy Sets is a rising trend in describing Geomechanical problems by including the expert opinion. Especially in the case of weak rocks it allows prediction of more realistic rock mass quality scores. Although the empirical systems form a basis for the preliminary slope stability investigation, slope height and overall slope angle are still two missing important characteristic slope parameters. However, there have been some attempts to describe the graphical presentation of rock quality score, slope height and overall slope angle relation. These charts are called as slope performance charts. This chapter presents a short review on integration of Fuzzy RMR with these charts to provide a useful modification for the case of weak rock slopes.

scholarly journals Assessment of a Modified Rock Mass Classification System for Rock Slope Stability Analysis in the Q-system

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davood Fereidooni ◽  
Gholam Reza Khanlari ◽  
Mojtaba Heidari
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Slope Stability ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Rock Mass Classification ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Rock Slope Stability ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
El Sistema ◽  
Mass Classification

<p>This paper explores the applicability of a modified Q classification system and its component parameters for analysis and conclusion of site investigation data to estimate rock slope stability. Based on the literature, Q classification system has high applicable potential for evaluation of rock mass quality. Therefore, in this study, it was used with RMR and SMR rock mass classification systems to assess stability or instability of different rock slopes along the Hamedan-Ganjnameh-Tuyserkan road, Hamedan province west of Iran. Furthermore, a modified rock mass classification system namely Slope Quality Rating (SQR) was proposed based on the correction of the Q classification parameters and calculating some new parameters such as dip and strike of discontinuities and the method of rock excavation or blasting. For this purpose, the SMR and RMR rock mass classifications were also needed. By measuring SQR for different rock slopes, it will be possible to measure Slope Mass Rating (SMR).</p><p> </p><p><strong>Evaluación del sistema Q modificado de clasificación del macizo rocoso para el análisis de estabilidad de pendiente de roca</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Resumen</strong></p>Este artículo explora la aplicabilidad del sistema de clasificación Q modificado y sus parámetros para analizar y determinar la información estimada de estabilidad de pendiente de roca en el sitio determinado de estudio. Según la literatura, el sistema de clasificación Q tiene un alto potencial de aplicabilidad paral a evaluación de la calidad del macizo rocoso. En este estudio además se utilizó el sistema Q junto con los sistemas Índice de Masa de Pendiente (SMR) y Clasificación Geomecánica de Bienawski (RMR) para evaluar la estabilidad e inestabilidad de diferentes pendientes rocosas en la carretera Hamedan-Ganjnameh-Tuyserkan, de la provincia de Hamedan, en el Oeste de Irán. Además, se propone el Índice de Calidad de Pendiente (SQR), un sistema de clasificación de macizo rocoso modificado, a partir de la corrección de los parámetros de clasificación Q y el cálculo de nuevos parámetros como pendiente y caída de las discontinuidades y el método de excavación o explosión de la roca. Para esta propuesta también se utilizaron las clasificaciones SMR y RMR. La medición SQR en diferentes pendientes hizo posible el cálculo del sistema SMR.</p>

scholarly journals Study on the Influence of Rainfall Infiltration on the High rock Slope of Open-pit Mine Stability using a New Nonlinear Strength Reduction Method

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianbai Zhou ◽  
Lingfan Zhang ◽  
Jian Cheng ◽  
Jianming Wang ◽  
Xiaoyu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Reduction Method ◽  
Strength Reduction ◽  
Open Pit Mine ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Strength Reduction Method ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
High Rock Slope ◽  
The Stability

Abstract Due to long-term mining, a series of high and steep rock slopes have been formed in the open-pit mine. For high rock slopes, rainfall infiltration is the main cause of landslide. Therefore, the stability analysis of high rock slope under rainfall has become a key issue in the open-pit mine engineering. In this work, aiming at the high stress condition of high rock slope, the instantaneous internal friction angle and instantaneous cohesion of rock mass under different stress states are deduced, and the a nonlinear strength reduction method for high rock slope is established according to the relationship between normal stress and shear stress of rock mass under the Hoke-Brown criterion. The numerical calculation results show that the factor of safety (FOS) for high rock slope calculated by the proposed method is more reasonable. Taking the southwest slope of Dagushan Iron Mine as the research background, the safety factors of high rock slope under different rainfall conditions are calculated by COMSOL Multiphysics. And the stability analysis of high rock slope in open-pit mine under rainfall are carried out.

scholarly journals Stability Assessment of High and Steep Cutting Rock Slopes with the SSPC Method

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Hongliang Tao ◽  
Guangli Xu ◽  
Jingwen Meng ◽  
Ronghe Ma ◽  
Jiaxing Dong
Keyword(s):  
Slope Stability ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Equilibrium Analysis ◽  
Rock Slope Stability ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Evaluation Indexes ◽  
Weathering Degree ◽  
Slope Rock ◽  
The Stability

The stability of high rock slopes has become a key engineering geological problem in the construction of important projects in mountainous areas. The original slope stability probability classification (SSPC) system, presented by Hack, has made obvious progress and been widely used in rock slope stability analysis. However, the selection and determination of some evaluation indexes in the original SSPC method are usually subjective, such as intact rock strength and weathering degree. In this study, the SSPC method based on geological data obtained in the prospecting tunnels was presented and applied. According to the field survey and exploration of the prospecting tunnels, the weathering degree of the slope rock mass was evaluated. The empirical equation for the maximum stable height of the slope was applied to the slope stability evaluation in the presented SSPC method. Then, the slope stability probability of numerous cutting slopes in the sandstone unit was evaluated using the presented system. Results of the Geostudio software based on the limited equilibrium analysis of the investigated slopes were compared with the results obtained by the SSPC method. The results indicate that the SSPC method is a useful tool for the stability prediction of high and steep rock slopes.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional Physical and Numerical Modelling of Fracturing and Deformation Behaviour of Mining-Induced Rock Slopes

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoxiang Yang ◽  
Anthony K. Leung ◽  
Nengxiong Xu ◽  
Kunxiang Zhang ◽  
Kunpeng Gao
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Numerical Modelling ◽  
Physical Model ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Rock Joint ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Physical Modelling ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Rock Mass Structure ◽  
Iron Mine

Fracturing behaviour of jointed rock mass subjected to mining can significantly affect the stability of the rock structures and rock slopes. Ore mining within an open-pit final slope would lead to large-scale strata and surface movement of the rock slope. Rock mass structure, or more specifically, the strength, spacing and distribution of rock joints, are the controlling factors that govern the failure and deformation mechanisms of the final slope. Two-dimensional (2-D) physical modelling tests have been conducted in the literature, but in general, most of them have simplified the geological conditions and neglected some key features of rock mass structure in the field. In this study, new three-dimensional (3-D) physical modelling methods are introduced, with realistic modelling of mechanical behaviour of rock mass as well as identified properties of predominant rock joint sets. A case study of Yanqianshan iron mine is considered and the corresponding 1:200 model rock slope was created for studying the rock joint effects on the strata movement and the subsidence mechanism of the slope. The physical model test results are subsequently verified with 3-D discrete element numerical modelling. Due to the presence of the predominant joints, the observed well-shaped strata subsidence in Yanqianshan iron mine was successfully reproduced in the 3-D physical model. The failure mechanism of rock slopes differs from the trumpet-shaped subsidence observed in unconsolidated soil. Due to the formation of an arching mechanism within the rock mass, the strata deformation transferred gradually from the roof of the goaf to the slope surface.

scholarly journals STABILITY ANALYSIS AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF OPEN PIT ROCK SLOPE

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 255
Author(s):  
Yahdi Azzuhry
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Class Number ◽  
Kinematic Analysis ◽  
Slope Failure ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Failure Mechanisms ◽  
Slope Angle ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Wedge Failure ◽  
Planar Failure

Rock mass in nature tend to be unideal, for it is heterogeneous, anisotropic and has discontinuity. The discontinuity makes anisotropic strength and stress in the rock mass, and also controls the changing of the elastic properties of rock mass. This condition results to disruptions in the rock mass strength balance, and finally drives the slopes to collapse. This study aims to determine the slope failure mechanisms in the area of case study, as well as its variations based on the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Geological Strength Index (GSI), Slope Mass Rating (SMR), kinematic analysis, numerical analysis and monitoring approach slope movement in a coal mine slope applications. The site investigations were implemented to obtain information about slope collapse. Prior to the collapse, the slope inclination was 38° with of 94 meters height, strike slope of N 245 E and direction of slope surface of 335°. After the collapse, the slope was became 25º; and after the collapse materials were cleared, it was 35º. The discontinuity mapping obtained 5 sets of discontinuities, and the data were developed to obtain the value of RMR. The result of piezometer measurements was that at occurrence of collapse, slope elevation was 44.40m. Displacement value from monitoring SSMR showed that when the slope was collapsing in two stages, the first stage value was 70.61cm (a more critical condition, the value was rounded down to 70cm to the implementation in modelling) and the second stage value was at 124.25cm. The value of RMR89 in this study was greater than the value of GSI and SMR. As for the average value, it was obtained 34.67 for RMR89 value and 29.67 for GSI value, these rocks then can be classified into Poor Rock class number IV. The result of kinematic analysis found that sliding planar failure at dips 36°, and wedge failure at dips 36°, 35° and 34°. Acquisition SMR value obtained at 25, 27, 28 and 29. The SMR values classified the rock mass quality into class number IV, the description of the rock mass was relatively poor, the slope stability was low or unstable and the collapse manifold was planar or wedge failure. The result from the analysis of the model with its criteria obtained was that un-collapse conditions at angle 29°. It is recommended to use 29° angle to repair the slopes, and also recommended for overall high wall slope angle. Type of collapse that occurred on the slope failure mechanisms in all of the analysis that has been done, it is known that the mechanisms involved are complex types (combine of wedge failure, planar failure, and step-path failure) or classified into large scale rock slope failure surface.

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