Investigating the toppling failure of anti-dip rock slopes containing non-persistent cross-joints via a strength-based fracture method

The toppling failure of anti-dip rock slopes is significantly affected by crack propagation from non-persistent cross-joints (NPCJs). In this study, a strength-based localized maximum stress (SLMS) criterion is adopted to model the toppling failure process caused by crack propagation in anti-dip rock slopes containing a set of NPCJs via the finite element method. The crack initiation sequence from NPCJs and the toppling evolution of anti-dip slopes under different stratum dips and slope angles, as well as the influences of stratum dips and slope angles on toppling evolution, are investigated. Variations in the displacements during the toppling of the slope and the influence of toppling on the displacements are analyzed. Additionally, variations in the magnitude and distribution area of interlayer friction between rock layers during the toppling evolution process and the effects of toppling on the evolution of interlayer friction are examined. The results indicate that the toppling process of the anti-dip slope containing NPCJs involves three stages: crack initiation and propagation from the NPCJs, the development of interlayer tensile and shear cracks, and toppling failure of the rock layers. The stability of antidip slopes containing NPCJs is greatly affected by the stratum dip and slope angle. The horizontal displacements and interlayer crack aperture increase nonlinearly with the development of toppling evolution, and the magnitude of the increase gradually increases. Moreover, the magnitude and distribution area of interlayer friction vary with the development of toppling evolution. The maximum interlayer friction gradually increases, but the distribution area of friction decreases.