Curvilinear Slope Profile–Based Seismic Stability for Rock Slopes Using Stress Characteristics Method and Generalized Hoek–Brown Criterion

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel approach to analyze the seismic stability of rock slopes using the stress characteristics method (SCM). Based on a prescribed factor of safety (FS), the slope profile (SP) is forthrightly determined without involving any optimization technique. A theoretical model is developed to execute the seismic analysis by coupling the SCM with the modified pseudo-dynamic (MPD) approach. The SCM obliterates the necessity of predefined slope geometry and slip surfaces in the analysis, whereas the MPD approach captures more credible nonuniform seismic inertia forces during earthquake excitation. The generalized Hoek–Brown criterion is employed to model the nonlinear strength characteristics of the rock mass. With different recommended values of FS, chart solutions comprising SPs are presented to readily evaluate the seismic stability of rock slopes. A comprehensive parametric analysis is conducted to interpret the behavior of obtained SPs under the influence of various input parameters. The overall slope angle of the present curvilinear SPs is found to be in close agreement with that of traditional linear SPs reported in the literature. Moreover, the legitimacy of the current methodology for designing open pit mines and assessing the safety status of existing rock slopes is showcased through different case studies along with a numerical simulation of the derived SPs.