A design methodology for rock slopes susceptible to wedge failure using fracture system modelling

This paper demonstrates how the use of fracture system modelling can be linked to limit equilibrium analysis of rock slopes susceptible to wedge failure. The use of fracture systems highlights some of the limitations inherent in traditional structural data analysis and representation. Consequently it allows for more comprehensive input data that can be used for stability analysis of rock slopes. In particular the developed methodology addresses important issues such as spatial variability and wedge size distributions. The paper introduces a series of guidelines for interpretation of the results of rock slopes. The proposed techniques arguably result in an improved level of confidence in the design of rock slopes susceptible to wedge failure. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.