Meso numerical study on the failure mechanism of rock slope with bedding intermittent joints

Authors

  • Yu Zhou
  • Jinfei Chai
  • Guang Han

Keywords:

rock slope, bedding intermittent joints, particle flow theory, PFC2D, meso research

Abstract

Taking the Muliashi north open-pit mine in Zambiaas a case study, the failure mechanism of rock slopewith intermittent bedding joints was investigatedfrom a meso mechanical viewpoint using particleflow theory and PFC2D software. In the rock slopemodel, the rock block and joint were representedby bonded-particle model and smooth-joint model,respectively. The main research results are asfollows: (1) Due to orientation and discontinuitiesof joint, the sliding shape at the bottom of thesliding mass is relatively straight, while the tailingedge shape of sliding mass is flexural and ispresenting step-path failure. (2) The fragmentedparticle assemblies of sliding mass are primarilygenerated in the middle and bottom part of slope.And they are subsequently generated in the top partof slope. The bulk of fragmented particleassemblies in the middle and bottom part arerelatively larger than those in the top part. (3) Atthe end of sliding process, the contact force ofparticle is relatively larger along with the directionof rock bridge, and the effect of stress arch isgenerated around the primary joints. (4) Duringthe sliding process of rock slope, the relationshipbetween the magnitude and count of microseismicevents obeys the normal distribution functionapproximately.

Author Biographies

Yu Zhou

Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mine，University of Science and Technology Beijing

Jinfei Chai

Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mine，University of Science and Technology Beijing

Guang Han

China Non-ferrous Metal Mining Group Co., Ltd.

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Published

2017-07-18

Issue

Engineering Review, Vol. 37, No. 3

Section

Articles

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