MODIFICATION OF SLOPE HEIGHT COEFFICIENT IN HIGHWAY SLOPE ROCK MASS RATING

Slope height is a controlling factor in stability of a slope. Based on the SMR system, the slope height coefficient is incorporated in CSMR, a system developed for hydroelectric slope rock mass rating. To apply the rating system in the classification of highway slopes, further modifications should be made. The slope height coefficient  can be expressed as =a+b/H based on the mechanical analyses of some possible failure forms. This paper then presents two expressions of slope height coefficient for different combinations of strata and slope from statistic analyses of over 100 slopes. The modified CSMR has been validated and meets requirements for assessment of highway slope stability.