Barton-Bandis criterion-based system reliability analysis of rock slopes

Several potential failure modes generally exist in rock slopes because of the existence of massive structural planes in rock masses. A system reliability analyses method for rock slopes with multiple failure modes based on nonlinear Barton-Bandis failure criterion is proposed. The factors of safety associated with the sliding and overturning failure modes are derived, respectively. The validity of this method is verified through a planar rock slope with an inclined slope top and tension crack. Several sensitivity analyses are adopted to study the influences of structural-plane parameters, geometric parameters, anchoring parameters and fracture morphology on the rock slopes system reliability.