Investigating the Failure Mechanisms of Overhanging Slopes and Associated Rockfall Trajectories
Journal
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Journal Volume
783 LNCE
Start Page
103164
End Page
210
ISSN
23662557
ISBN (of the container)
9789819542581
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Abstract
This study investigates the failure mechanisms of overhanging rock blocks and simulates their rockfall trajectories, explicitly focusing on the rockfall incident at the Dayong Bridge in Taiwan, in 2022. Point cloud data was processed using CloudCompare software to analyze joint configurations, employing semi-automatic extraction and compass methods. The fitting plane density was calibrated based on the dimensions of the sliding surfaces of the rock blocks. Overhanging stereographic projections were generated to assess potential failure modes. The failure mechanisms were validated using the discrete element method (DEM). The rockfall incident at Dayong Bridge demonstrated wedge-shaped failure, a finding consistent with the analyses conducted using the proposed projection circle and DEM simulation. The rockfall trajectories, accurately simulated using the DEM model, furnished invaluable insights for devising adequate rock slope protection and mitigation strategies. This study offers a comprehensive methodology for assessing the potential failure of overhanging rock slopes, making it beneficial for engineering applications and practice. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.
Event(s)
13th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium, ARMS 2024
Subjects
Failure mechanism
Overhanging
Rockfall modeling
Rockfall trajectories
Stereographic projection
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Description
13th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium, ARMS 2024, 22 September 2024 through 27 September 2024, New Delhi
Type
conference paper