Rock Slope Stability Analysis Using Discrete Element Method

Rock slope stability depends very much on the strength features of the rock and the geometricaland strength characteristics of the discontinuities (e.g., roughness, wall strength and persistence).since a rock mass is not a continuum, its behavior is dominated by such discontinuities as faults,joints and bedding planes. also, rock slope instability is a major hazard for human activities andoften causes economic losses, property damage (maintenance costs), as well as injuries or fatalities.a computer program has been developed in this research study to perform the stability analysisof a rock slope using the discrete element method (dem). the rock in the present model istreated as some blocks connected together by elasto-plastic winkler springs. this method, the formulationof which satisfies all equilibrium and compatibility conditions, considers the progressivefailure and is able to find the slip surface or unstable blocks. to demonstrate the applicability andusefulness of the method, several examples have been presented for the analysis and optimizationof the rock slope stabilization.