Analysis of the stability slopes in fractured rock masses is not trivial and fraught with uncertainty risk. A DFN-DEC model (Discrete Fracture Network-Distinct Element Code) based on MATLAB platform developed to evaluate random fractures. Then, influences mean values geometric characteristics (i.e., trace length T, dip D, spacing S) for both horizontal (denoted 1) inclined 2) fractures slope ar...

Based on the kinematic approach of limit analysis, a full set of upper bound solutions for the stability of homogeneous rock slopes subjected to tension cracks are obtained. The generalized Hoek-Brown failure criterion is employed to describe the non-linear strength envelope of rocks. In this paper, critical failure mechanisms are determined for cracks of known depth but unspecified location, c...

This paper demonstrates the ability of Shear Strength Reduction (SSR) analysis based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) to model the scale effects of discontinuity networks on the stability and failure mechanisms of slopes in blocky rock masses. Through three examples, it shows how these mechanisms depend on joint network geometry and change with increasing slope height. Introduction Scale Effe...