Discrete element analysis of deformation and failure mechanism and influencing factors of anti-dip rock slope

Abstract The safety problems of anti-dip layered rock slopes are widely encountered in mines, highway slopes and other aspects. Due to the lack of understanding of the deformation characteristics and evolution mechanisms of such slopes, these engineering problems have arisen. This study uses the numerical simulation software PFC 2D to conduct numerical simulation analysis on a layered anti-dip rock slope in soft rock. This study uses the numerical simulation software PFC 2D to conduct numerical simulation analysis on a layered anti-dip soft rock slope. The deformation mechanism of the anti-dip layered soft rock slope is studied from three aspects: slope rock layer thickness, rock layer dip angle, and bedding shear strength. Furthermore, the stress evolution and displacement evolution of the slope are analyzed. The research results show that as the dip angle and thickness of the rock strata increase, the overall failure mode of the slope gradually changes from sliding to toppling, and during the deformation process, the upper part of the slope is subjected to tension, while the lower part is subjected to compression. The deformation of the anti-dip layered slope begins at the top of the slope, and then failure begins at the toe. The failure depth of the anti-dipping layered rock slope gradually increases with the increase of the rock stratum dip angle. The lower the stratum strength, the greater the degree of slope collapse deformation. Both horizontal and vertical stresses at the leading edge of the slope gradually increase with time, then tend to stabilize. Tensile stress appears in the horizontal direction in the later stages of slope deformation at the leading edge. Tensile stress exists on the surface of the trailing edge during deformation and failure, while compressive stress dominates at deeper levels. The stress level at deeper levels is higher than that at the surface. The displacements at both the leading and trailing edges generally increase gradually with time. Surface displacements at both the leading and trailing edges are greater than those at deeper levels. The closer the slope is to the free face during deformation, the more likely it is to experience displacement.