An improved limit equilibrium method for rock slope stability analysis under stress-based calculation mode for slip surface

Abstract

This study proposes an alternative calculation mode for stresses on the slip surface (SS). The calculation of the normal stress (NS) on the SS involves examining its composition and expanding its unknown using the Taylor series. This expansion enables the reasonable construction of a function describing the NS on the SS. Additionally, by directly incorporating the nonlinear Generalized Hoke-Brown (GHB) strength criterion and utilizing the slope factor of safety (FOS) definition, a function of the shear stress on the SS is derived. This function considers the mutual feedback mechanism between the NS and strength parameters of the SS. The stress constraints conditions are then introduced at both ends of the SS based on the spatial stress relation of one point. Determining the slope FOS and stress solution for the SS involves considering the mechanical equilibrium conditions and the stress constraint conditions satisfied by the sliding body. The proposed approach successfully simulates the tension-shear stress zone near the slope top and provides an intuitive description of the concentration effect of compression-shear stress of the SS near the slope toe. Furthermore, compared to other methods, the present method demonstrates superior processing capabilities for the embedded nonlinear GHB strength criterion.

Keywords

stability of rock slope / nonlinear GHB strength criterion / limit equilibrium method / stress function on slip surface / stress constraint conditions at both ends of slip surface

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