Rock slopes risk assessment based on advanced geostructural survey techniques

The rock mass structure determines the possible unstable blocks that can induce rock fall phenomena. The stability analyses must therefore be based on an accurate geo-structural survey. In this work, the stability conditions of several steep slopes along a motorway in the Far East have been evaluated through key block analysis based on traditional surveys and on laser scanner acquisitions. Discontinuity orientations and positions on the rock face are derived from the point cloud in order to perform the reconstruction of the rock mass and to identify blocks in the slope. Results obtained from both the traditional and the new method is in good agreement. Stability analyses have been performed for evaluating the kinematic feasibility of different failure mechanisms. The rock block shapes and volumes are computed by performing 2D and 3D analyses whereas the failure mechanisms are examined using the key block method. Parametrical analyses have been carried on to evaluate the influence of slope angle variation. DEM models have also been set up. The relative hazard is determined by statistically evaluating the kinematical feasibility of different failure mechanisms. Hazard mapping has been utilized to identify the best methodology for risk mitigation.