Stability Analysis of a High-Steep Dump Slope under Different Rainfall Conditions

Abstract

The existing slope stability research, which is based on the fluid–solid coupling theory, is mainly focused on the slopes of central and eastern China. The impact of rainfall on the stability of the dump slope has often been ignored. It is worthwhile to reveal the mechanism of the fluid–solid coupling mechanics of dump slopes in the arid desertification area of northwest China under the maximum precipitation. The method of combining the seepage mechanics theory with the geomechanics theory was adopted. Darcy’s law and the mass conservation law were introduced to derive and establish the fluid–solid coupling analysis method. Taking the Xinxing Coal Mine in Wuhai City, China, as an example, the finite element software ABAQUS was used to construct the fluid–solid coupling model for slope stability analysis with unsaturated soil. The equivalent rainfall intensity of 68 mm/h for 1 h and 18 mm/h for 24 h was designed in the simulation, respectively. Four different types of initial water content (i.e., 1.72%, 7.34%, 14.69%, and 22.03%) of the dump slopes were defined as the initial conditions. The high-steep slope was compared to the standard slope. Therefore, a set of sixteen rainfall schemes was proposed. The variation regularity of slope stability was thoroughly discussed in regards to four areas: vertical deformation, pore water pressure distribution, equivalent plastic strain, and safety factor. As was expected, the research showed that the slope height and angle have a significant effect on the slope stability. When high-intensity rainfall occurs for a short duration, the slope tends to be more stable as the initial water content increases on the slope. When low-intensity rainfall occurs over a long period, the slope stability reduces if the initial water content is too high or too low in the slope.