Combined finite-discrete element analysis of rock slope stability under dynamic loading

Andrea Lisjak, Giovanni Grasselli

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Mining and Rock Mechanics

ABSTRACT: Rock slope instability phenomena have been often correlated to seismic activity. Therefore, earthquake-induced ground motion should be taken into account when performing slope stability analysis in seismically active areas of the world. In the present study, the combined finite-discrete element (FEM/DEM) numerical method is proposed as a tool to assess stability of rock slopes subjected to seismic shaking. Main advantages of FEM/DEM include the capability of simulating interaction between multiple blocks, rock breakage and fragmentation and evaluating failed block trajectory and run-out distance. Algorithmic developments such as absorbing boundary conditions and rock joint shear strength degradation model were specifically introduced to correctly model stress wave propagation and joint behaviour. Effectiveness of the method was proved by means of two conceptual models relative to a planar failure and a rock fall, respectively.

RÉSUMÉ: Phénomènes d'instabilité des pentes ont été souvent déclenché de stabilité des pentes localisées dans des zones sismiquement actives, il faut considérer les effets induits par le tremblement de terre. Dans cette étude, la méthode numérique à élément finis / élément discrets (FEM / DEM) est utilisé pour évaluer la stabilité des pentes rocheuses soumis à des vibration sismiques. Principaux avantages du FEM / DEM sont la capacité de simuler (i) l'interaction entre plusieurs blocs, (ii) la fragmentation des blocs en roche, et (iii) la

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