Dynamic response characteristics and failure mechanisms of a high-steep bedding rock slope under successive earthquakes in a high-seismic-intensity zone via discrete element method and shaking table tests

Abstract

Steep bedding slopes are widely distributed in Southwestern China’s mountainous regions and have complex seismic responses and instability risks, causing casualties and property losses. Considering the high-seismic-intensity environment, the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism of high-steep bedding slopes are simulated via the discrete element method and shaking table test. The dynamic response characteristics and cumulative failure effects of slopes subjected to continuous ground motion are investigated. The results show that the dynamic response characteristics of slopes under continuous earthquakes are influenced by geological and topographic conditions. Elevation has a distinct impact on both the slope interior and surface, with amplification effects more pronounced on the surface. The weak interlayers have different influences on the dynamic amplification effect of slopes. Weak interlayers have dynamic magnification effects on the slope surface at relative elevations of 0–0.33 and 0.82–1.0 but have weakening effects between 0.33 and 0.82. Moreover, the weak interlayers also have controlling effects on the dynamic instability mode of slopes. The characteristics of intergranular contact failure, fracture propagation, and displacement distribution are analyzed to reveal the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism through the discrete-element model. The dynamic instability process of slopes includes three stages: fracture initiation (0−0.2g), fracture expansion (0.2g–0.3g), and sliding instability (0.3g–0.6g). This work can provide a valuable reference for the seismic stability and reinforcement of complex slopes.

Keywords

dynamic response characteristics / failure mechanism / high-steep bedding rock slope / discrete element method / high-seismic-intensity area

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Central South University