Estimating Mohr–Coulomb Strength Parameters from the Hoek–Brown Criterion for Rock Slopes Undergoing Earthquake

The direct application of the Hoek–Brown failure criterion to practical slope engineering is still an urgent problem. geometries and earthquake effect need be considered in determination linear Mohr–Coulomb (MC) strength parameters from criteria for stability analysis. This study adopted tangential method construct a three-dimensional (3D) rotational mechanism using homogeneous rock slopes undergoing earthquake. quasi-static was employed treat seismic action as external force work–energy equation limit analysis theory. Based on numerical optimization, least upper-bound solutions equivalent MC were derived with respect different loads. influences nonlinear strengths, geometric load thoroughly investigated. results suggested that have general steep vertical slopes. effects become obvious disturbance factor D affects only very fractured masses. Additionally, inclination becomes hard 3D found slight. Moreover, impact earthquakes approximate weaker steeper tables given various parameters. presented can provide certain references engineering.