Abstract:
Instability in rock slopes is a very common phenomenon due to complex formations
of different geological structures within the rock masses. These instabilities pose a
significant threat to civil engineering projects such as the cutting of rock slopes for
road or railway construction, open pit mining etc. Engineers have developed different
techniques over the centuries to determine the level of stability of slopes in a given
rock mass.
This project aims to evaluate and compare various techniques for analyzing rock
slopes and assessing associated risks. This research involves a comprehensive
assessment of geological and geotechnical data to classify rock masses using the Rock
Mass Rating (RMR) and Geological Strength Index (GSI) systems. These
classifications provide a foundation for understanding the rock mass behavior and
stability. The classification of rock mass further provides the basis for determination
of strength parameters using different criterion such as Hoek & Browne, Mohr
Coulomb and Barton-Bandis criterion.
Subsequently, the project determines the potential modes of failure through kinematic
analysis, which considers the geometric relationships between the rock structures and
the slope face. This analysis identifies the likelihood of different failure types such as
planar, wedge, and toppling failures. To quantify the stability of the slopes, the project
employs limit equilibrium analysis to calculate the Factor of Safety (FoS). This
method evaluates the balance of driving and resisting forces on potential failure
surfaces, offering a measure of slope stability. By incorporating factors for seismic
accelerations and water pressure the limit equilibrium equations can be modified to
quantify the safety factor against flooding and earthquakes.
By comparing these methods, the research aims to highlight the strengths and
limitations of each approach in various geological contexts. The outcomes are
expected to provide valuable insights for selecting appropriate analysis techniques for
rock slope stability and risk assessment, ultimately contributing to safer and more
effective slope management practices.
