Rock bridge slice element method in slope stability analysis based on multi-scale geological structure mapping

The searching method of failure surface which consists of complex geological structures in high and steep rock slopes was studied. Based on computer simulation technology and Monte-Carlo method, three dimensional multi-scale geological structures such as engineering scale and statistical scale structures of the slope were simulated. The searching method of failure route which consists of joints and rock bridges was determined via simulation annealing method by considering the shear strength of joints or rock bridges in one supposed route. When shear strengths of all the supposed routes were computed, the least shear strength route was considered failure route. Then, the inclined slice of joint slices and rock bridge slices were separated according to the position of joints and rock bridges. For the rock bridge slices, by distinguishing the failure model, the force direction to the next slice was defined. Finally, the limit equilibrium equations for every slice were established, and the slope stability factor was obtained. One practical example indicates that the discussed method is more closely to the real condition.