• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.5-15
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• 2017

Three-hinge failure occurs in a jointed rock slope with a joint set parallel with slope and a conjugate joint set. Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) and Finite Element Method (FEM) which are commonly used for slope design, are not suitable for evaluating stability against three-hinge failure, and this study performed parametric study to analyze the failure mechanism and to find influence factors causing three-hinge failure using UDEC which is a commercial two-dimensional DEM based numerical program. Numerical analyses were performed for various joint structural conditions and joint properties as well as ground water conditions. It was found that pore water pressure is the main factor triggering the three-hinge failure and the mode of failure depends on friction angle of basal joint and bedding joint set. The results obtained from this study can be used for adequate and economic footwall slope reinforcement design and construction.