Analytical Models for Estimation of Slope Stability in Homogeneous Intact and Jointed Rock Masses with a Single Joint

Abstract

In the present paper two analytical models are proposed for the estimation of slope stability in homogeneous intact and jointed rock masses with strain-softening behavior and a single joint, as nonlinear functions of basic slope parameters (slope height H and angle β), and physicomechanical properties of rock mass (unit weight γ, peak cohesion c, peak friction angle φ, joint inclination α, joint cohesion cjoint, and joint friction angle φjoint). Research was performed using the Box-Behnken design, for which the input data were provided by stability analyses of different slopes using the shear strength reduction method. For intact rock masses, the safety factor is given as a function of H and β, γ, c, and φ, whereas cjoint, φjoint, and α, along with H and β, were also included for jointed rock masses with a single joint. Developed models provide reliable estimation of slope stability with high statistical accuracy and a small value of the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) statistics. Robustness of developed models is verified against experimental modeling errors using a Monte Carlo simulation. Real-world application of the derived model for jointed rock mass is tested for a characteristic case from engineering practice.