New insights into convergent slope instability: Physical modeling and stability analysis

Abstract

Convergent slope failures are prevalent in mountainous regions. The substantial energy concentration at the toe of convergent slopes predisposes them to catastrophic, high-velocity slides triggered by rainfall or seismic events, often resulting in significant devastation. This investigation employs a combined physical modeling and stability analysis approach to elucidate the intricate deformational behaviors and failure mechanisms inherent to convergent slope. Utilizing a tilt table apparatus, a comprehensive series of geomechanical model tests were conducted to systematically analyze slope kinematics. A novel analytical framework, predicated on hopper theory, was developed to quantitatively assess slope stability, subsequently corroborated through comparative experimental validation. Results reveal significant differential movement and heterogeneous shear strain distributions between yielding and stationary domains, substantiating the fundamental arching mechanism operative within convergent slopes. The slope stability is controlled by geomaterial properties, including bulk density, unconfined compressive strength, interfacial friction characteristics, geometric configurations, and kinematic boundary conditions. The remarkable concordance between theoretical predictions and physical model observations validates the proposed assessment approach.