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Probabilistic Stability Evaluation of Oppstadhornet Rock Slope, Norway

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Abstract

Probabilistic analyses provide rational means to treat the uncertainties associated with underlying parameters in a systematic manner. The stability of a 734-m-high jointed rock slope in the west of Norway, the Oppstadhornet rock slope, is investigated by using a probabilistic method. The first-order reliability method (FORM) is used for probabilistic modeling of the plane failure problem in the rock slope. The Barton–Bandis (BB) shear strength criterion is used for the limit state equation. The statistical distributions of the BB criterion parameters, for which comprehensive data were collected and statistically analyzed, are determined by using distribution fitting algorithms. The sensitivity of the FORM model for the BB criterion is also investigated. It is found that the model is most sensitive to the mean value of the residual friction angle (ϕ r) and least sensitive to the mean value of the slope angle (β f). It is also found that the standard deviation of joint compressive strength (JCS) causes the greatest difference in the reliability index, which has the least sensitivity to the change in the mean and standard deviation of joint roughness coefficient (JRC).

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Acknowledgments

This paper was prepared during the first author’s postdoctoral fellowship at the International Centre for Geohazards (ICG) at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) in Oslo. The authors would like to thank their colleagues from ICG, NGI, and NGU for their valuable discussions and contributions. Professor Kaare Høeg and Dr. Suzanne Laccase are thanked for their critical review of the manuscript. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily of the above-mentioned organizations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mining Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, 06531, Ankara, Turkey

    H. S. B. Duzgun

  2. Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, P.O. Box 3930, Ullevaal Stadion, 0806, Oslo, Norway

    R. K. Bhasin

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  1. H. S. B. Duzgun
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  2. R. K. Bhasin
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Correspondence to H. S. B. Duzgun.

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Duzgun, H.S.B., Bhasin, R.K. Probabilistic Stability Evaluation of Oppstadhornet Rock Slope, Norway. Rock Mech Rock Eng 42, 729–749 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-008-0011-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-008-0011-3

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