Stability Analysis of Himalayan Rock Slope Incorporating Microstructures into Rock Mass Using DEM
摘要
Slope stability depends on the mechanical properties of the rock and discontinuities present within the rock mass. The discontinuity varies from microscale to macroscale and plays a significant role in inducing slope failure. The Himalayan region consists of many unstable rock slopes due to its tectonic setting, forming several discontinuities of variable sizes. An attempt was made to evaluate slope stability by incorporating the microstructures and mesostructures. The investigated rock slope is located near the North Almora Thrust (NAT) along NH-09 in the Pithoragarh district of Kumaun Himalaya, India. A multiparametric approach was employed to evaluate the slope stability by combining kinematic analysis, rock microstructural analysis, XRD analysis, and geotechnical classification of rock mass. The microstructural analysis revealed the presence of quartz, kaolinite and dolomitic veins. Kaolinite, a planar clay mineral, forms the plane for slippage along foliations; and dissolution of dolomitic veins along joint sets (J1, J2 and J3) reduces the rock’s friction angle and, hence, increases the chances of slope failure. Numerical modeling revealed that the inclusion of microstructures during the process of simulation results in ~ 10% reduction in the factor of safety.