Analysis of slope fracturing under transient earthquake loading by random discrete element method

Earthquake can cause significant rock fracturing in either the short or long terms. A comprehensive analysis of mechanism is critical for assessing risks potential slope failures, landslides and avalanches seismic prone areas. This study employed 2D discrete element method (DEM) to investigate an intact 600 m base length 300 height, with explicit considerations material heterogeneity by random field theory. total 5400 DEM simulations were performed, characteristics statistically analysed. The dynamic loading earthquake has triggered amplifications ground motion damage at crest, resulting densely spaced interconnect fractures. These fractures split into a collection fragments varied shapes, fragment size followed Weibull's cumulative distribution. More than 70% generated finer 0.1 times initial size, while only few large existed base. distribution pattern could quantitatively agree observations. distributions final index cumulated fragmentation energy all normal pattern. overall bulk input was dissipated mainly discontinuities decreased increase inclination.