Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Elevation amplifies seismic response more on slope surfaces than interiors, with weak interlayers exerting both magnifying and weakening effects depending on relative elevation. • Weak interlayers control the dynamic instability mode of high-steep bedding slopes, influencing fracture propagation and displacement patterns. • The dynamic instability process of slopes under successive earthquakes comprises three stages: fracture initiation (0–0.2g), fracture expansion (0.2g–0.3g), and sliding instability (0.3g–0.6g). • The combined discrete element method and shaking table tests provide a robust framework for assessing seismic stability and guiding reinforcement of complex slopes in high-seismic-intensity zones.
Abstract
Steep bedding slopes are widely distributed in Southwestern China’s mountainous regions and have complex seismic responses and instability risks, causing casualties and property losses. Considering the high-seismic-intensity environment, the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism of high-steep bedding slopes are simulated via the discrete element method and shaking table test. The dynamic response characteristics and cumulative failure effects of slopes subjected to continuous ground motion are investigated. The results show that the dynamic response characteristics of slopes under continuous earthquakes are influenced by geological and topographic conditions. Elevation has a distinct impact on both the slope interior and surface, with amplification effects more pronounced on the surface. The weak interlayers have different influences on the dynamic amplification effect of slopes. Weak interlayers have dynamic magnification effects on the slope surface at relative elevations of 0 −0.33 and 0.82 −1.0 but have weakening effects between 0.33 and 0.82. Moreover, the weak interlayers also have controlling effects on the dynamic instability mode of slopes. The characteristics of intergranular contact failure, fracture propagation, and displacement distribution are analyzed to reveal the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism through the discrete-element model. The dynamic instability process of slopes includes three stages: fracture initiation (0−0.2g), fracture expansion (0.2g−0.3g), and sliding instability (0.3g−0.6g). This work can provide a valuable reference for the seismic stability and reinforcement of complex slopes.
1. Introduction
Landslides are common geological disasters worldwide [1]. Many factors affect landslide disasters, including earthquakes, rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, high ground stress, and poor geological conditions [2, 3]. In particular, earthquakes have increasingly become a primary triggering factor for landslide disasters in recent years [4]. The dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanisms of rock slopes are very complicated because of the coupling of complex topographic and geological conditions and strong earthquakes [5]. For example, during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, a phenomenon-large-scale high-speed stone ejection-was observed in the Daguangbao landslide [6, 7]. This phenomenon is closely related to specific topographic and geological conditions, as well as strong earthquakes. Therefore, the dynamic instability characteristics of complex rock slopes under strong earthquakes have gradually become popular research topics in the field of geotechnical engineering.
The disaster investigation of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake revealed that steeply inclined bedding rock slopes, a special type of layered structure slope, are often in an unstable state under natural conditions because the dip
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SONG Dan-qing, SHI Wan-peng, HUANG Kun-peng, XIN Chun-lei, LIU Xiao-li, TIAN Yu-xin, ZHANG Bing-hui (2025). Dynamic response characteristics and failure mechanisms of a high-steep bedding rock slope under successive earthquakes in a high-seismic-intensity zone via discrete element method and shaking table tests. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-025-6130-0
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of this study?
The study aims to investigate the dynamic response characteristics and failure mechanisms of high-steep bedding rock slopes under successive earthquakes in high-seismic-intensity zones, using discrete element method and shaking table tests.
How does elevation affect the dynamic response of slopes?
Elevation has a distinct impact on both the slope interior and surface, with amplification effects more pronounced on the surface.
What role do weak interlayers play in slope stability?
Weak interlayers have dynamic magnification effects on the slope surface at relative elevations of 0–0.33 and 0.82–1.0, but weakening effects between 0.33 and 0.82. They also control the dynamic instability mode of slopes.
What are the three stages of dynamic instability in slopes?
The dynamic instability process includes fracture initiation (0–0.2g), fracture expansion (0.2g–0.3g), and sliding instability (0.3g–0.6g).
What is the practical significance of this research?
The work provides a valuable reference for the seismic stability assessment and reinforcement design of complex slopes in high-seismic-intensity areas.
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