Stability analysis of rock slopes using kinematic analysis and numerical modeling: Foca-Bagarasi State Highway, Turkey


Ankah M. L. Y., KINCAL C.

MODELING EARTH SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT, vol.8, no.4, pp.5225-5233, 2022 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 8 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s40808-022-01454-y
  • Journal Name: MODELING EARTH SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.5225-5233
  • Keywords: Rock slope stability, Highway, Kinematic analysis, Numerical modeling, Strength reduction factor, HAZARD
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Slope failures along road cuts and highways pose significant threats to motorists and pedestrians. In this study, the stability of rock slopes along the Foca-Bagarasi (FB) Highway in Turkey has been investigated using kinematic analysis and numerical modeling. The investigations were conducted at five survey stations along the highway. The results of the kinematic analysis showed that the joint sets at all the five stations along the FB Highway formed critical intersections that could result in wedge failures. Also, the kinematic analysis results showed significant toppling failure risks along the highway. The results of the finite element analysis showed that the slopes at some of the stations were in a critical state even without the influence of pore pressure. Also, the results showed that should the piezometric surface (or water table) rise to the mid-section of the slopes or higher, there would be a great likelihood of failures occurring. In addition, Strength Reduction Factor values calculated under seismic conditions showed that the slopes had a great vulnerability to seismic activity. The numerical modeling results were consistent with the kinematic analysis results as well as field observations and showed that the FB highway slopes stood a great risk of failure, especially during periods of major rainfall or seismic activity.