Analytical Methods for Rock Slope Analysis

Abstract

Although a rock slope is not normally thought of as an engineering structure in the conventional meaning of the word — probably because it is either a natural slope or, if man-made, a kind of negative structure built by taking material away rather than by assembling it together — its design follows basically the same principles and requirements as that of any other structure. The solution of any structural problem requires first the definition, knowledge or assumption of five essential factors:

• 1) The geometry of the entire structure i.e. its external boundaries and its internal discontinuities (e.g. geological boundaries).

• 2) The external loads and body forces (static and dynamic) and force histories to which the structure is exposed.

• 3) The relevant mechanical properties of the materials which constitute the structure.

• 4) A definition and mechanism of failure and a criterion for its initiation or progression, which all are highly dependent on the type of structure and the purpose which the structure has to serve.

• 5) The factor of safety or the acceptable probability of failure based on past design experience and in effect a factor of overdesign necessary because of insufficient knowledge of any of the four previous factors.