Three-dimensional stability assessment of slopes in intact rock governed by the Hoek-Brown failure criterion

Three-dimensional failure analyses of slopes are rather elaborate, and for rock slopes, where the strength is defined by nonlinear envelopes, they particularly intricate. This why many earlier approaches used a linear approximation envelope prior to carrying out stability analysis. avoided in this paper, thanks using parametric form Hoek-Brown criterion. The kinematic approach limit analysis as method study. An argument brought forward that even though rocks tend fracture at low confining stresses, ductility deformation brittle drop stress during may be sufficient theorems applicable. Two measures slope evaluated: number factor safety. Numerical results presented charts tables. Because allows one evaluate rigorous bounds on true solutions, it was possible demonstrate employed paper yields more accurate than formerly subject literature. A new efficient mechanism devised very narrow slopes.