The authors investigated the dynamic stability of rock slope consisting of hexagonal blocks through model tests on shaking table and evaluate their stability through dynamic limiting equilibrium method (DLEM). Experiments indicated that the failures may be toppling or sliding and, they may be of active or passive modes. Critical acceleration levels can be estimated from the limit equilibrium method if frictional properties of rock blocks and the geometry of model slopes together with appropriate consideration of failure modes.
Rock masses irrespective of its type contain discontinuities associated with their geological formation. The hexagonal jointing is common to extrusive rocks such as basalts and andesite as well as to some sedimentary rocks such as sandstone. In nature, rock masses consisting of hexagonal blocks receive great attention of ordinary people due to their beautiful geometrical patterns. they constitute some spectacular features, which often constitute geo-parks in many countries all over the World. Such structures are even observed in Mars.
In literature, there are very few studies on the mechanical behavior of rock mass models having hexagonal rock blocks and associated engineering structures (e.g. Aydan 2016, 2017; Aydan et al. 1989). There is a great concern on the both stability of slopes, underground openings and seepage and bearing capacity of rock formations having hexagonal joint sets in recent years. As the hexagonal discontinuity sets result in columnar structures, there is a big concern on rockfalls from steep rock slopes and tunnel portals.
This study is concerned with the dynamic stability of rock mass models having hexagonal discontinuity pattern. The dynamic stability of slopes of rock mass models consisting of hexagonal blocks was investigated through model tests on shaking table and they are analyzed using dynamic limit equilibrium method. The authors present the outcomes of these studies and discuss their implications in practice section describes the general layout of this paper template briefly.
