A novel method for evaluating stability and mechanism of flexural toppling based on energy conservation principle and numerical simulation

The flexural toppling occurring in anti-dip layered slopes exhibits complex mechanical behaviours and poses a serious threat to human engineering practices. In this paper, a novel method for evaluating the stability of flexural toppling is proposed by combining analytical solution and numerical simulation. The anti-dip rock layers in the slope are regarded as inclined slabs, and the deflection equations of each rock slab are calculated when the slab at the basal plane is restrict and that at the top is free. Critical length of the rock slab is then determined with the energy conservation principle, and it can be employed to evaluate the stability of flexural toppling. Numerical simulations have been conducted to validate the present calculation method and explore the mechanisms of flexural toppling. The simulation results indicate that failure initially occurs at the slope toe due to strong stress concentration, subsequently triggering a domino effect with failures propagate to the upper rock slabs as a result of the loss of support from the lower ones. These simulation results also combined with the analytical solution enhance the calculation accuracy of the method. This innovative approach not only advances our understanding of flexural toppling mechanisms but also provides a method for practical stability assessments.