Numerical Investigation on Factors Influencing the Time-Dependent Stability of the Rock Slopes with Weak Structure Planes

Under the combined effects of various external factors, such as temperature, seepage, alternate wetting and drying and so on, the mechanical properties of rock mass are susceptible to be deteriorated, and its strength characteristics are significantly degraded with time. The mesoscopic damage accumulated inside the rock, contributing the rock slope instability with weak structure planes, generate the time-dependent deformation, and eventually lead to the slope failure. Given the time-dependent deformation of the rock, numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the key factors influencing the long-term stability of slopes. Numerical results show that the catastrophic failure time of slopes is linear to its cohesion, and the bigger cohesion and friction angle increase catastrophic failure time, i.e., the stability of rock slope increase. In addition, the configuration of the intact rock bridge can also influence the time-dependent slope stability. Slope height can significantly affect the slope stability and the maximum horizontal displacement. Differences in rock mass storage environment play an important role in the long-term stability of slopes.