Investigation of the Failure Mechanisms for Inducing Rock Slope Hazard in New Jersey, United States

F. Oppong, P. Khadka, O. Kolawole

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Rock slope stability analysis is of great interest to researchers and engineers due to its potential geo-hazards. This is primarily governed by the shear strength and the acting shear stress which is often expressed in terms of Factor of Safety (FoS) over a potential slip surface. This study investigated the susceptibility of road-cut slopes to rockfall hazard and its associated risks in Northeastern New Jersey, United States, as well as predicted the failure transition to rapid sliding. Four (4) vulnerable rock slopes were identified and demarcated for detailed slope stability analysis. The field data were subjected to three kinematic analyses (planar, toppling, and wedge analyses) using the Dips program in Rocscience software which showed a high potential for both planar and toppling failure and a low potential for wedge failure. The highest risk of failure will be due to toppling failure, with a 26% likelihood of critical failure, which exceeds the acceptable threshold. This indicates that the rock-cut slopes are in unstable conditions and need to be reinforced in the identified locations. It is further recommended that coupled expansive grouted anchor bolts and steel-mesh reinforcement support mechanisms be implemented to strengthen the stability of the cut slopes to prevent rockfalls. This study provides valuable insights for mitigating potential geohazard and the findings here are relevant to other locations across the world..

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
ISBN (Electronic)9798331305086
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Event58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024 - Golden, United States
Duration: Jun 23 2024Jun 26 2024

Publication series

Name58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024

Conference

Conference58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityGolden
Period6/23/246/26/24

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geophysics

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