The Characteristics and Seepage Stability Analysis of Toppling-Sliding Failure under Rainfall

Abstract

Toppling-sliding failure is a typical mode of deep-seated toppling failure. In this mode, massive collapsed rock masses form the main sliding body, which is sensitive to rainfall events and prone to instability under rainfall due to its unique slope structure. In the present study, based on the detailed investigation on the geology and deformation characteristics, we studied the deformation and failure mechanism of a large-scale deep-seated toppling in Nandongzi Village, Pingquan City, Hebei Province. We constructed an engineering geology model to describe the toppling-sliding failure under rainfall. In addition, based on the saturated–unsaturated seepage theory and using the SLOPE/W and SEEP/W modules in the GeoStudio software, we explored the seepage law and factors controlling the seepage failure of toppling-sliding under rainfall. From surface to interior, the slope can be divided into topplingalling zone, strong toppling zone, slight toppling zone, and non-deformation zone. The geological structure consisting of an upper strong slab and an underlying weak rock layer, controls the early deformation, and the deformation and failure mode is compressing-bending-toppling. Due to the influence of excavation and rainfall, the sliding movements occur along planar rupture planes in the toppling-falling zone in the later stage, during which the failure mode switches to creeping-cracking. At present, the stability of the slope is highly sensitive to rainfall. When the rainfall intensity exceeds 220 mm/day (50 years return period storm), the factor of safety will fall below 1.05 and subsequently the sliding failure may be triggered. Because of the difference in permeability characteristics between the toppling-falling zone and the strong toppling zone, high pore-water pressure is developed at their boundary, leading to a drastic decrease in the factor of safety. Specifically, the more considerable difference in permeability, the lower the safety factor. Overall, this study is significant in scientific guiding for evaluating and preventing such slope failures.