Simulations of Deformation Failure Process and Refinement of Reinforcement Scheme in the Dabenliu Quarry Slope Using Discontinuous Deformation Analysis

Abstract

For this study, the geological engineering features and possible failure modes of the Dabenliu quarry slope in the Jinping-I Hydropower Station were qualitatively analyzed before a method for setting viscous boundary and an algorithm for modeling pre-stressed cables were embedded into a DDA (Discontinuous Deformation Analysis) computer code to analyze the deformation of the slope under seismic loading. Our simulation results revealed that the middle and upper parts of the slope slipped along the bedding joints (interlayer shear zones) and that the lower part buckled and collapsed after the slope was excavated. This is a typical slipping–buckling failure mode characterized by upper-slipping followed by lower-buckling. Based on the distribution of the simulated internal force of the anchor cables, the reinforcement scheme was adjusted by strengthening the support for the middle and lower parts of the slope, whereas the length and pre-stress of the anchor cables were reduced for the upper part of the slope. The adjusted reinforcement scheme can ensure the stability of the slope under the action of a magnitude 7 earthquake, and the slope may lose stability with no evident collapse under the action of a magnitude 8 earthquake. Finally, the simulation results were verified via a comparison with the monitoring data regarding the slope.