Modeling scale effects on consequent slope deformation model tests and the discrete element method
Journal
51st US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2017
Journal Volume
1
Start Page
647
End Page
658
ISBN (of the container)
9781510857582
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
A consequent slope comprises weak planes in the same dip direction along a slope face. This study investigated scale effects on the gravitational deformation of consequent slopes. A series of centrifuge model tests under simplified environmental conditions were performed. Particle image velocimetry was then adopted to evaluate the displacement distribution from the centrifuge model test results. Subsequently, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to execute simulations to provide detailed descriptions of the crack development and failure mechanisms associated with consequent slopes at different scales. The results of this study are summarized as follows. (1) The slopes exhibited similar deformation patterns in the centrifuge model tests. As the gravitational force increased, the magnitude of slope deformation increased significantly. (2) A modified dimensional relationship of material parameters was proposed for DEM simulation. According to this relationship, the simulated deformation patterns were in strong agreement with the actual deformations at various slope scales. (3) According to the DEM simulations, for the slopes with the same slope and weak plane angles, more cracks and displacements were generated in the higher slopes, leading to a greater sliding volume. © 2017 American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA). All rights reserved.
Event(s)
51st US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2017
Subjects
Centrifuge
Consequent slope
Dip slope
Discrete element method
Physical model
Publisher
American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Description
51st US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2017, 25 June 2017 through 28 June 2017, San Francisco
Type
conference paper