Study on the control mechanism of thick-layered rock beams on the toppling failure of soft-hard interbedded anti-dip slopes in reservoir areas

Abstract

The soft-hard interbedded anti-dip slopes (SHIADSs) in the reservoir area represent a type of layered anti-dip rock slopes characterized by unique rock layering in a particular geological context and are widely distributed. This study examines the failure evolution of a SHIADS, with an embedded thick-layered rock beam, in the Three Gorges reservoir area by applying the universal distinct element code (UDEC) under the combined effects of reservoir water softening and seepage. The simulation results indicate that the thick-layered rock beams within the slope play a critical role in influencing the failure process of the slope’s rock layers. Furthermore, the study investigates how the location and thickness of rock beams impact the deformation of SHIADSs within the reservoir area. As the rock beam’s location moves closer to the interior of the slope, the area of the slide body above the rock beam decreases considerably, while the area below the rock beam increases significantly. As the rock beam’s thickness increases, the area of the slide body above the rock beam decreases significantly, while the area below it remains largely unchanged. The forces in the rock beams are consistent with the independent cantilever beam model, and the changes in location and thickness are essentially changes in the tensile stresses in the rock beams. The findings of this study provide valuable guidance and reference for the reinforcement of SHIADSs in reservoir areas.