A complex slide-buckling-toppling failure of under-dip soft rock slopes

Abstract

This study investigates a complex slope failure that occurred in Chongqing Xi railway station. The studied slope belongs to a under-dip shale slope. Onsite surveys and UDEC numerical modelling were conducted to describe the deformation characteristics and potential failure mechanism of this slope. The simulated results suggest that sliding, buckling and toppling can occur in the deformation process, which is verified by the actual deformation characteristic of the slope and monitoring results. Moreover, the effects of bedding dip angle, slope angle, bed thickness on the deformation characteristics of the slope were also investigated with UDEC models. Finally, the possible slope structure for occurrence of slide-buckling-toppling failure and several numerically validated remedial measures were proposed.

Keywords:

• Under-dip slope
• UDEC model
• failure mechanism
• slope structure
• remedial measures

Acknowledgement

Besides, data provided by the local engineering department have significantly strengthened the objectivity of the paper. Their assists are gratefully acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research is mainly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41672300).