A method for seismic stability analysis of jointed rock slopes using Barton-Bandis failure criterion

Abstract Earthquakes are the main cause of slope failure in seismic active regions. In this study, we present a method for analyzing the seismic stability of a plane jointed rock slope with two blocks. In this analysis, the Barton-Bandis failure criterion is applied, considering the nonlinear characteristics of rock joints. Based on the limit equilibrium principle, we derived the safety factor of a jointed rock slope subjected to the modified pseudo-dynamic seismic forces. In addition, the analytical method developed in this study explains the interaction force between two blocks. Hence, it can effectively analyze the stability of a jointed rock slope and distinguish the failure modes. Further, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of geometric and material properties on the safety factor of a hypothetical slope. The results show that the slope stability is significantly influenced by the geometry of the slope and the parameters including the joint roughness coefficient JRC, the horizontal seismic acceleration coefficient kh, the joint compressive strength JCS, and the basic friction angle of the structural plane ϕb. Moreover, the accuracy of the derivation is verified by the universal distinct element code UDEC 6.0. A parametric sensitivity analysis is used to determine the key parameters affecting slope stability. Finally, a set of seismic stability design charts is produced for preliminary design.