Stability analysis of rock slopes against sliding or flexural-toppling failure.

Toppling is a mode of failure that may occur in a wide range of layered rock strata in rock slopes. According to the results of physical model tests and field investigations of anti-inclined rock slopes, most real instabilities are of the sliding or flexural-toppling type. Failure often initiates at the slope toe, and the failure surface is usually multi-planar rather than planar. These properties should determined by searching rather than based on assumption. Taking these problems into account, in this paper we propose a theoretical model for rock slopes with a potential for sliding or flexural-toppling failure on the basis of two physical model tests. An innovative approach for the stability analysis of such slopes based on the limit equilibrium theory is then proposed. Subsequently, a comparative analysis is carried out using the discrete element method and the Aydan et al. method with the aim to verify the validity and accuracy of the proposed approach. Finally, the possible difference between angles of the basal calculation plane and the failure surface of the sliding zone and superimposed toppling zone with respect to the plane normal to the discontinuities is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]