rock slopes suspectible to toppling

[Selbeih]

I wonder about a method to be used to model a scarp formed of alternations of limestone and slale,marl and limestone. This scarp is characterised by its tendency to toppling but the method suggested by Hoek and Bray (1980) and Zanbak(1983) is for only one layer of blocks without any underlying layers. I wish i could find an answer.

 

My father is Caner Zanbak. I let him know of the web page and he will try to help you out as soon as he can.

 

[Luca]

Hi Selbeih,

I find the simpliest way is that to perform a finite Difference Analysis (in large strain modus. Not all FE Program can perform that (other strategy), but with finite difference you should be able). With such a model you can define the position and geometry of all your layers and their material properties.
As results such analysis you can plot many things. The most important in your case would be the slope deformation.
As usual, the power of numerical methods is that you can vary each time the material properties and perform a new analysis with no effort (e.g. till the slope fail).

Bye

Luca