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Multi-layer slopes are widely found in clay residue receiving fields. A generalized horizontal slice method (GHSM) for assessing the stability of multi-layer slopes that considers the energy dissipation between adjacent horizontal slices is presented. In view of the upper-bound limit analysis theory, the energy equation is derived and the ultimate failure mode is generated by comparing the sliding surface passing through the slope toe (mode A) with that below (mode B). In addition, the influence of the number of slices on the stability coefficients in the GHSM is studied and the stable value is obtained. Compared to the original method (Chen's method), the GHSM can acquire more precise results, which takes into account the energy dissipation in the inner sliding soil mass. Moreover, the GHSM, limit equilibrium method (LEM) and numerical simulation method (NSM) are applied to analyze the stability of a multi-layer slope with different slope angles and the results of the safety factor and failure mode are very close in each case. The ultimate failure modes are shown to be mode B when the slope angle is not more than 28°. It illustrates that the determination of the ultimate sliding surface requires comparison of multiple failure modes, not only mode A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bolts are widely employed as an effective and efficient reinforcement method in geotechnical engineering. Sandwich composite structures formed by hard rock and weak rock are often encountered in practical projects. Furthermore, the spatial structure of the rock mass has a direct influence on the effect of the anchorage support. To investigate the impact of rock mass structure on the mechanical characteristics of anchorage interfaces, pull-out tests on reinforced specimens with different mudstone thicknesses and fracture dip angles are conducted. The experimental results indicate that the percentage of mudstone content and fracture dip angle have a significant influence on the pullout load of the samples. A weaker surrounding rock results in a lower peak load and a longer critical anchorage length, and vice versa. The results also show that 70% mudstone content can be considered a critical condition for impacting the peak load. Specifically, the percentage of mudstone content has a limited influence on the variation in the peak load when it exceeds 70%. Optical fiber deformation results show that compared to the rock mass with fracture dip angles of 0° and 60°, the rock mass with a fracture dip angle of 30° has a more uniformly distributed force at the anchorage interface. When the fracture dip angle exceeds 60°, the dip angle is no longer a key indicator of peak load. The accuracy of the experimentally obtained load-displacement curves is further verified although numerical simulation using the discrete element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring data show that many landslides in the Three Gorges region, China, undergo step-like displacements in response to the managed, quasi-sinusoidal annual variations in reservoir level. This behavior is consistent with motion initiating when the reservoir water level falls below a critical level that is intrinsic to each landslide, with the subsequent displacement rate of the landslide being proportional to the water depth below that critical level. Most motion terminates when the water level rises back above the critical level, so the annual step size is the time integral of the instantaneous displacement rate. These responses are incorporated into a differential equation that is easily calibrated with monitoring data, allowing prediction of landslide movement from actual or anticipated reservoir level changes. Model successes include (1) initiation and termination of the annual sliding steps at the critical reservoir level, producing a series of steps; (2) prediction of variable step size, year to year; and (3) approximate prediction of the shape and size of each annual step. Annual rainfall correlates poorly with step size, probably because its effect on groundwater levels is dwarfed by the 30 m annual variations in the level of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Viscous landslide behavior is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the normal operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the water level of the reservoir will fluctuate periodically. Water level fluctuation will soften the rock and soil on the banks, induce underground water fluctuation and decrease the shear strength of rock soil on the banks, and in turn affect the landslide stability. The Huangtupo (黄土坡) landslide is a typical large and complex landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir region. In particular, the stability of its riverside slumping mass has a great stake. On the basis of the analysis of engineering geological condition and formation mechanism of the Huangtupo landslide, the authors established the 2D finite element model of riverside slumping mass II# and selected proper mechanical parameters of the rock. With the GeoStudio software, according to the reservoir running curve, the simulation on coupling effect of seepage field and stress field was conducted in 7 different modes in a year. The results showed that: ➀ Huangtupo landslide is a large and complex landslide composed of multiple slumping masses, which occurred at different phases. Before reservoir impoundment, it was stable; ➁ it is quite difficult for riverside slumping mass I# and II# to slide as a whole; ➂ the stability coefficient of riverside slumping mass II# changes with the reservoir water level fluctuations. The minimum stability coefficient occurs 48 days after the water level starts to fall and the moment when the water level falls by 11.9 m. Landslide monitoring result is consistent with the numerical simulation result, which shows that although the reservoir water level fluctuation will affect the foreside stability of the landslide and induce gradual damage, the riverside slumping mass II# is stable as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]