An analytical model for stability analysis of a rock slope toppling mechanism driven by external loading

Abstract The flexural toppling failure of anti-dip rock slopes (ADRSs) may happen under the action of external loads. Evaluating the stability of ADRSs subjected to external loads can guide slope protection and engineering construction. In this paper, the failure modes and failure surface of ADRSs are determined based on the experiments and numerical simulations. In the framework of the limit equilibrium method and cantilever beam model, an analytical model for assessing the stability of ADRSs is proposed. Then, the effects of the loading length, thickness of rock layer, strength parameters of persistent discontinuity and critical tensile strength of intact rock layer on the stability of ADRSs are discussed. It is found that the thickness of rock layer, cohesion and friction angle of the persistent discontinuity and critical tensile strength of intact rock layer significantly enhance the stability of ADRSs, while the external loads and loading length acting on the top edge are harmful to the stability of ADRSs. In addition, the correctness and practicality of the proposed method are verified by two typical cases. Factor of safety from the proposed method are consistent with those from the previous studies.