Wedge slope stability analysis in complicated rock mass

A new block theory for wedge slope stability analysis is presented in this paper. Being different from the methods for rock wedge proposed by others, the theory uses "cutting methods " to establish the block model, which solves the problem of complicated geometry shapes such as hexahedron blocks. Theoretically, this method can be generally used for wedge slopes with arbitrary geometry shapes. A software package based on above theory has been developed under the environment of Windows 3.x and Windows 95. As a typical example, the new theory and software has been applied to wedge slope stability analysis at ship lock high slopes in Three Gorges Project, the biggest hydropower station project in the world. It provides an efficient tool for quick judgment of unstable blocks, and ensuring safety of construction.