• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.659-665
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• 2016

The limit equilibrium method (LEM) is commonly used for slope design and stability analysis because it is easy to simulate slope and requires short calculating time. However, LEM cannot adequately simulate ploughing failure in a footwall slope with a joint set dipping parallel with slope, e.g. bedding joint set. This study performed parametric study to analyze the influence factors on ploughing failure using UDEC which is a commercial two-dimensional DEM (Distinct Element Method)-based numerical program. The influence of joint structure and properties on stability of a footwall slope against ploughing failure was investigated, and the factor of safety was estimated using the shear strength reduction method. It was found that the stability of footwall slope against ploughing failure strongly relies on dip angle of conjugate joint, and the critical bedding joint spacing and the critical length of slab triggering ploughing failure are also affected by dip angle of conjugate joint. The results obtained from this study can be used for effective slope design and construction including reinforcement.