Study of a high slope stability considering the stochastic distribution of rock joint set

A hydropower station is located in the middle reach of the Dadu River in southwest China. The natural slope angles at the project site are generally 40 degrees similar to 65 degrees and the relative elevation drop is more than 600m. Complex different fractures such as faults, dykes and dense fracture zones due to unloading are developed. The stability of these steep and high slopes during construction and operation period plays an important role for the safe construction and operation of the project. According to the statistical distribution of joints at the construction site, the slope is divided into a number of engineering geological zones. For each zone, a stochastic fracture network and a numerical model are established by the Monte-Carlo method. The mechanical characters of fractured rock with different sizes are studied using FLAC3D. The REV characteristic scale is identified for rock masses. Numerical simulation is performed to obtain the mechanical parameters and the strength of the jointed rock. With the numerical model and the site monitoring data, a self-developed stochastic mechanical analysis software is applied for back analysis and stability assessment.