Module 8 : Rock slope stability

LECTURE 30

8.6 BUCKING MODE OF SLOPE FAILURE

Buckling modes of slope failure are a possibility whenever a through going discontinuity,
approximately parallel to the slope, separates a thin slab of rock. Failure by buckling may be
initiated by forces external to the slab, by groundwater pressures, by applied forces or by the
weight of the slab itself, especially if the slab is curved convex upward. This failure mode
appears in sedimentary rocks containing slabs separated by bedding planes and also in jointed
rocks.
In general, the buckling failure may occur in the rock slopes, if the slope dips more steeply
than the internal friction angle of the discontinuities parallel to the slope. The basic boundary
conditions may be described as follows:
a) Major discontinuity set is parallel to slope face;
b) The spacing of discontinuity set is relatively small;
c) The discontinuities have a low friction angle smaller than slope angle.

(a) Three hinge buckling mode (b) Euler’s Buckling

Figure 8.19: Common type of buckling failure

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Analysis of buckling failure

For any slab of length B, thickness d and height Lb , the critical load P cr at which the slab
would buckle is, where E is the elastic modulus.

π 2 ΕI Bd3
Pcr = 2
, I=
Lb 12

Pcr

Lb

Figure 8.20: Buckling of a slab with critical pressure

The critical buckling length of the slab can be estimated using the expressions,

π2Ε d 2
L3 =
c'
2.25 ( γ sin i − γ cos i × tan φ − )
'
d

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 Module 8 : Rock slope stability

Ld

i
L

Lb

W
Lb/L ~ 0.5
Figure 8.21: Analysis of buckling failure

ϕ= 10o ϕ = 20o ϕ = 30o

Lcr L

Figure 8.22: Analysis of critical length for slab bucking with thickness corresponding to
different friction angle

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For simulation and analysis of buckling slope failure using FLAC, first slope geometry would
be created with a very steep face. Addition of layers would be done using interface option in
the software positioning planar material interface. Material property need to be specified
from a database. Surcharge loading would be applied from the top till buckling occurs. The
slope would be stabilised later with installation of structural support such as nails or rock
bolts using structural element options in FLAC.

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8.7 ROCK SLOPE STABILIZATION

Slope failure occurs when the downward movements of material due to gravity and shear
stresses exceeds the shear strength. The major factor affecting slope stability is given in table
below. Slope stabilization methods involve an understanding of geology, hydrology, and
rock/soil properties. Slope analyses must be based upon a model that accurately represents
site subsurface conditions, ground behaviour, and applied loads. Factor of safety is calculated
to assess the results of analyses and generally calculated at the beginning, and sometimes
throughout the life, of projects during planning, design, construction, improvement,
rehabilitation, and maintenance. Planners, engineers, geologists, contractors, technicians, and
maintenance workers become involved in this process (Abramson et. al., 2002). The primary
purpose of slope stability analysis is to contribute to the safe and economic design of
excavations, embankments, earth dams, landfills, and spoil heaps. There are mainly are
mainly concerned with identifying critical geological, material, environmental, and economic
parameters that will affect the project, as well as understanding the nature, magnitude, and
frequency of potential slope problems. When dealing with slopes in general and slope
stability analysis in particular, previous geological and geotechnical experience in an area is
valuable.
After the analysis if slope is found to be unsafe and less safe, some stabilization and
protection measures have to be undertaken. Figure XXX explains the different methods can
be adopted for slope stabilization and protection. Improvement of the rock slopes may be
carried out by,

1. By decreasing seepage pressure with induction of drainage holes.

2. Reducing the height of slope or flattening of rock slopes or by reducing slope angle
by cutting.
3. By providing rock bolts, anchors or dowels in appropriate orientation.
4. Providing retaining walls, buttresses with weep holes. Flexible retaining walls like
gabion walls may also be used.
5. By undertaking plantation in the region or providing stone pitching.
6. Designing proper catch water drains for better draining of water.
7. Wire meshing, fencing and shedding for the rock falls.

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Rock slope stabilization/ protection

Stabilization Protection

Reinforcement Rock removal

Wire meshes
ditches
catch fences
warning fences
Bolting, dowels, anchors, rcok sheds
retaining walls, Re-sloping, tunnels
shotcrete, grouting, scalling, trimming
buttresses, drainage

Figure 8.23: Types of rock slope stabilisation methods

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 Module 8 : Rock slope stability

Block removed
Netting over
shattered rock

Sprayed concrete over

bolted mesh

Drainage hole
Weak rock
Rock bolts/ dowel/
anchor

Fallen rocks
Rock trap & Fence

Figure 8.24: Diagram showing different methods for slope protection and stabilisation

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