Physical modelling of permafrost warming in rock slopes

An investigation into the influence on rock slope stability of warming permafrost has been conducted as part of the European PACE research programme into the effect of climate change on permafrost. This paper reports on the latest stage in this investigation. Failure mechanisms in jointed rock slopes containing ice-filled discontinuities were investigated in a series of geotechnical centrifuge model tests. As the temperature of the ice in the critical discontinuity increased, the shear strength of the joint reduced and some blocks forming the model slope became unstable. The results of the experiments help to identify mechanisms triggering failure of rock slopes in permafrost and are used to validate an analytical technique to assess the stability of rock slopes in these regions. The results of this study are also applicable for assessing the influence of anthropogenic activities on the stability of frozen rock slopes.