A solution for toppling

The failure mode of toppling of rock slopes can be approached by a discrete formulation of discontinuum mechanics, but also by means of a differential equation based on the equilibrium conditions written in terms of the mechanics of continua. This second approach could be of special interest when dealing with thin rock strata. This paper describes a procedure to establish the equations of toppling of rock slopes taking into account external forces that might be applied by means of anchors and soil nailing. The procedure is applied to a particular case of toppling that was initiated when excavating a slope on thinly stratified rock and that was stabilized by means of soil nailing and anchors.