• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.287-297
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• 2020

This paper investigates the stability of a three-dimensional (3D) wedge under the pseudo-static action of an earthquake based on the nonlinear Barton-Bandis (B-B) failure criterion. The influences of the mechanical parameters of the discontinuity surface, the geometric parameters of the wedge and the pseudo-static parameters of the earthquake on the stability of the wedge are analyzed, as well as the sensitivity of these parameters. Moreover, a stereographic projection is used to evaluate the influence of pseudo-static direction on instability mode. The parametric analyses show that the stability coefficient and the instability mode of the wedge depend on the mechanical parameter of the rock mass, the geometric form of the wedge and the pseudo-static state of the earthquake. The friction angle of the rock φ_b, the roughness coefficient of the structure surface JRC and the two angles related to strikes of the joints θ₁ and θ₂ are sensitive to stability. Furthermore, the sensitivity of wedge height h, the compressive strength of the rock at the fracture surface JCS and the slope angle α to the stability are insignificant.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.158-170
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• 2002

Since the development of Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) by Shi (1984), there has been much improvement in the theory and programs. These, however, are all based on the assumption of a two-dimensional plane strain or plane stress state; and because a rock block system is a three-dimensional problem, a two-dimensional analysis has limited application. So a three-dimensional analysis is required in the design of rock slopes and underground spaces where three-dimensional discontinuities dominate stability. In this study three-dimensional DDA program is developed using the Shi's two-dimensional theory and program, and the two cases of three-dimensional block are analysed. The program is applied to one sliding-face blocks and wedge sliding and it gives the good results comparing to the exact solution. Multi-block cases will be analysed for many other application soon.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.669-676
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• 2018

The "pseudo-wedge" failure is a name for a complex instability occurring at the Sarcheshmeh open-pit mine (Iran). The pseudo-wedge failure contains both the rock bridge failure and sliding along pre-existing discontinuities. In this paper, a cross section of the failure area was first modeled using a bonded-particle method. The results indicated development of tensile cracks at the slope toe which explains the freedom of pseudo-wedge blocks to slide. Then, a three-dimensional discrete element method was used to perform a block analysis of the instability. The technique of shear strength reduction was used to calculate the factor of safety. Finally, the influence of geometrical characteristics of the mine wall on the pseudo-wedge failure was investigated. The safety factor significantly increases as the dip and dip direction of the wall decrease, and reaches an acceptable value with a 10-degree decrease of them.

• Proceedings of the KSEG Conference
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• 2002.04a
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• pp.109-114
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• 2002

Development of a three-dimensional mine visualization model for a section of the mine is addressed first. Discontinuity orientation and location information was taken from this visualization model for use in slope stability analyses. Estimated shear strength properties of discontinuities and mechanical properties of intact rock from the rock mass samples obtained from the mine are discussed next. The third part of the paper is focused on the results obtained for maximum safe slope angles for the section considered of the mine based on block theory analysis conducted under only the gravitational forces using the mapped discontinuities at the mine. Finally, the effects of water that exist in the rock mass, a tension crack, slope face inclination, overall wedge height and double benching on factor of safety of wedge stability are illustrated through limit equilibrium slope stability analyses conducted on a single tetrahedral wedge belonging to potential key block category that exist in the investigated area of the mine.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.539-544
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• 2023

The subject of this study is the Maae Buddha statue in granodiorite of the Mesozoic Cretaceous period, which is concerned about stability as a standing stone cultural property located in ◯◯-dong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. For stability analysis, three-dimensional face mapping, geological properties of joints, three-dimensional scanning, ultrasonic velocity, polarization microscopy, electron microscopy analysis and XRD analysis were performed. In addition, the safety factor of the Maaebul was calculated by analyzing the damage status investigation, stereographic projection analysis, rock classification, and limit equilibrium analysis. The types and scales of damage and possible collapse by section depend on the degree of weathering of the rock and the orientation and characteristics of the joints, but wedge-failure and toppling-failure are expected to be small-scale. The safety factor of Maaebul in dry and wet conditions is less than 1.2, so stability is concerned. The types of damage were mainly observed, such as exfoliation, cracking, granular decomposition, and vegetation growth. The Maaebul rock is granodiorite, and the surface discoloration materials are K, Fe, and Mg. The 4 sets of joints are developed, J1 is tensile joint and the others are shear joint. The uniaxial compressive strength estimated by ultrasonic exploration is 514kgf/cm2, which corresponds to most soft rocks and some weathered rocks. Rock classification(RMR) is estimated to be grade 5, very poor rock mass. These technique along with the existing methods of safety diagnosis of cultural properties are expected to be a reasonable tool for objective interpretation and stability review of stone cultural properties.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.447-457
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• 2024

This study investigated a cut-slope surface containing Tertiary faults, representing a conical-shaped slope with strike varying from N44°E to NS, N50°W, and finally N70°E. The slope consists mainly of basalt, with discontinuities in the slope including faults, fault zones, fracture zones, shear joints, and extension joints. The type and scale of failure vary with the strike of the slope and the strikes of discontinuities, with plane and wedge failure predominating. Based on face-mapping data, SMR (slope mass rating), rock physical and mechanical properties, analysis of stereonet projections and geological cross-sections, and critical equilibrium analysis, optimal slope stability determination was found to involve the countermeasure method, the slope gradient relief method, the green soil surface treatment method, and a fall prevention measure. After application of the countermeasure method, both dry and wet slope conditions exceeded allowable safety factors. It is expected that the preparation of geological cross-sections of various representative sections perpendicular to the surface of the slope, and the application of corresponding countermeasure methods, will be reasonable tools for three-dimensional analysis of slope stability. If the strike of the slope varies widely, it is necessary to prepare geological cross-sections, and the section used for critical equilibrium analysis must be established as the basic section.

• Geotechnical Engineering
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.101-122
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• 1997

A spiting reinforcement system is composed of a series of radially installed reinforcing spites along the perimeter of the tunnel opening ahead of excavation. The reinforcing spill network is extended into the in-situ soil mass both radially and longitudinally The sailing reinforcement system has been successfully used for the construction of underground openings to reinforce weak rock formations on several occasions. The application of this spiting reinforcement system is currently extended to soft ground tunneling in limited occasions because of lack of reliable analysis and design methods. A method of threetimensional limit equilibrium stability analysis of the smile-reinforced shallow tunnel in soft ground is presented. The shape of the potential failure wedge for the case of smile-reinforced shallow tunnel is assumed on the basis of the results of three dimensional finite element analyses. A criterion to differentiate the spill-reinforced shallow tunnel from the smile-reinforced deep tunnel is also formulated, where the tunnel depth, soil type, geometry of the tunnel and reinforcing spites, together with soil arching effects, are considered. To examine the suitability of the proposed method of threedimensional stability analysis in practice, overall stability of the spill-reinforced shallow tunnel at facing is evaluated, and the predicted safety factors are compared with results from twotimensional analyses. Using the proposed method of threetimensional limit equilibrium stability analysis of the smile-reinforced shallow tunnel in soft ground, a parametric study is also made to investigate the effects of various design parameters such as tunnel depth, smile length and wadial spill spacing. With slight modifications the analytical method of threeiimensional stability analysis proposed may also be extended for the analysis and design of steel pipe reinforced multi -step grouting technique frequently used as a supplementary reinforcing method in soft ground tunnel construction.