JOINT NETWORK SIMULATION BASED RELIABILITY ANALYSIS FOR JOINTED ROCK SLOPES

The random distribution characteristic of discontinuities is always rarely considered when analysing the stability of jointed rock slope. Joint network simulation can simulate the random distribution of discontinuities. So this method is applied to analysing the stability of jointed rock slopes. Firstly, the joint network simulation method is used to establish the joint network model of the slope. Then the result is combined with shear strength reduction method to calculate the safety factor of the slope. Subsequently, many joint network simulations and their relative safety factors are used to analyse the reliability of the slope. The result of a real project shows the following. (1)The stability of the rock slope is mainly controlled by the quantity and combination relationship of discontinuities. The more is the discontinuities' quantity and persistence, the lower is the slope's safety factor. (2)The average safety factor of the slope is 3.06 and its probability of failure is 5%,which indicate the good reliability of the slope. This result is in accordance with the real condition of the slope. The analysis method in this paper mainly considers the random distribution of discontinuities, and it presents a new way to analyse the stability of jointed rock slope.