Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Geotechnical Centrifuge Modelling for Rock Slope Failure: A Brief Overview

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Landslide Science for a Safer Geoenvironment

Abstract

Geotechnical centrifuges are used widely worldwide for rock mechanics. This paper gives a brief overview of rock slope failure modeling using geotechnical centrifuges. Several cases involving centrifuge modeling for rockslide mechanisms have been recorded. Two methods of small-scale geotechnical centrifuge modeling for large scale problems, such as landslide form massive rock slope failure, are presented. Furthermore, model materials for structures are introduced considering the structures dominating rock slope stability. Finally, a short discussion regarding difficulties in rock slope failure modeling is given.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 259.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adhikary DP, Dyskin AV, Jewell RJ (1996) Numerical modelling of the flexural deformation of foliated rock slopes. Int J Rock Mech Mining Sci Geomech Abstr 33(6):595–606

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adhikary DP, Dyskin AV, Jewell RJ (1997) A study of the mechanism of flexural toppling failure of rock slopes. Rock Mech Rock Eng 30(2):75–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adhikary DP, Dyskin AV (2007) Modelling of progressive and instantaneous failures of foliated rock slopes. Rock Mech Rock Eng 40(4):349–362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen ZY, Zhang JH, Wang WX (2006) Centrifuge modeling for rock slopes. In: Proceeding of the 6th international conference on physical modeling in geotechnics, 6th ICPMG ‘06, 4–6 Aug 2006, Hong Kong, pp 19–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Corti G, Bonini M, Sokoutis D et al (2004) Continental rift architecture and patterns of magma migration: a dynamic analysis based on centrifuge models. Tectonics 23(2):1–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies MCR, Hamza O, Harris C (2001) The effect of rise in mean annual temperature on the stability of rock slopes containing ice filled discontinuities. Permafrost Periglacial Process 12(1):137–144

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies MCR, Hamza O, Harris C (2003) Physical modelling of permafrost warming in rock slopes. In: Springman P, Arenson (eds) Permafrost. Swets & Zeitlinger, Lisse, pp 169–174

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon JM (1975) Finite strain and progressive deformation in models of diapiric structures. Tectonophysics 28(1–2):89–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon JM, Liu S (1992) Centrifuge modelling of the propagation of thrust faults. In: Thrust tectonics. Chapman & Hall, London, pp 53–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Einstein HH, Li V, Whiteman RV (1990) Stochastic and centrifuge modelling of jointed rock executive summary. Department of Civil Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts (MIT CE R-90-22), 95 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahey M, Finnie I, Hensley P (1990) Geotechnical centrifuge modeling at the University of Western Australia. Department of civil engineering, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia (Geo:90092), 34 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Z (2011) State-of-the-art: review of geotechnical centrifuge modeling test in China. J Eng Geol 19(3):323–331 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Z (2012) Centrifuge modeling of apparent dip slide from oblique thick bedding rock landslide. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 31(5):890–897 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Z (2013) Physical modeling of landslide mechanism in oblique thick-bedded rock slope: a case study. Acta Geol Sinica (English Edition) 87(4):1129–1136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein M, Berman M, Goosev B (1966). Stability investigation of fissured rock slopes. In: Proceedings of 1st congress international society of rock mechanics, 25 Sep–1 Oct 1966, Lisbon, Portugal, pp 175–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Günzel FK, Davies MCR (2006) Influence of warming permafrost on the stability of ice filled rock joints. In: Proceeding of the 6th international conference on physical modeling in geotechnics, 6th ICPMG ‘06, 4–6 Aug 2006, Hong Kong, pp 343–348

    Google Scholar 

  • Han SH, Wang HH (1991) Application of centrifugal modeling technique to the research of rock slopes in the Thress Gorges Project. J Yangtz River Sci Res Inst 26:32–38 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris LB, Koyi HA, Fossen H (2002) Mechanisms for folding of high-grade rocks in extensional tectonic settings. Earth-Sci Rev 59(1–4):163–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris LB, Koyi HA (2003) Centrifuge modelling of folding in high-grade rocks during rifting. J Struct Geol 25(2):291–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Imre B, Laue J, Springman S (2010) Fractal fragmentation of rocks within sturzstroms: insight derived from physical experiments within the ETH geotechnical drum centrifuge. Granul Matter 12(3):267–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joseph PG, Einstein HH, Whitman RV (1988) A literature review of geotechnical centrifuge modeling with particular emphasis on rock mechanics. Defense Technical Information Center, Belvoir (ADA213793), 119 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebedev EB, Kadik AA (2000) High-temperature centrifuge simulation- new method to study multiphase flow of partially molten zones. Phys Chem Earth Solid Earth Geod 25(6–7):591–595

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu S, Dixon JM (1990) Centrifuge modelling of thrust faulting: strain partitioning and the sequence of thrusting in duplex structures. In: Deformation mechanisms, rheology and tectonics. Geological Society of London, Special Publication, 54(1):431–444

    Google Scholar 

  • McWilliams PC (1989). Bureau of mines geotechnical centrifuge research: a review. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC (IC9218), 19 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramberg H (1963) Experimental study of gravity tectonics by means of centrifuged models. Bull Geol Inst Univ Uppsala New Ser 42(1):369–370

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramberg H (1964) Note on model studies of folding of moraines in piedmont glaciers. J Glaciol 5(38):207–218

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramberg H, Stephansson O (1965) Note on centrifuged models of excavations in rocks. Tectonophysics 2(4):281–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwerdtner WM, Troeng B (1978) Strain distribution within arcuate diapiric ridges of silicone putty. Tectonophysics 50:13–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sjöberg J (1996) Large scale of slope stability in open pit mining-a review. University of Technology, Lulea (0349-3571), 229 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Soula JC (1982) Characteristics and mode of emplacement of gneiss domes and plutonic domes in central-eastern Pyrenees. J Struct Geol 4(3):313–337, 339–342

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stacey TR (1973) Stability of rock slope in mining and civil engineering situations. National Mechanical Engineering Research Institute. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa (CSIR Report ME 1202), 217 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephansson O (1971) Stability of single openings in horizontally bedded rock. Eng Geol 5(1):5–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stimpson B (1970) Modelling materials for engineering rock mechanics. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 7(1):77–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugawara K, Akimoto M, Kaneko K (1984) Experimental study on rock slope stability by the use of a centrifuge. In: Proceeding 5th congress of the international society for rock mechanics, Melbourne, 10–15 Apr 1983, pp 152

    Google Scholar 

  • Talbot CJ (1974) Fold nappes as asymmetric mantled gneiss domes and ensialic orogeny. Tectonophysics 24(3):259–276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Talbot CJ (1977) Inclined and asymmetric upward-moving gravity structures. Tectonophysics 42(2–4):159–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor RN (1994) Geotechnical centrifuges: past, present and future. In: Taylor RN (ed) Geotechnical centrifuge technology. Blackie Academic & Professional, London, pp 1–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsesarsky M, Talesnick ML (2007) Mechanical response of a jointed rock beam; numerical study of centrifuge models. Int J Numer Anal Methods Geomech 31(8):977–1006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang HH, Han SH, Zhou XY (1991) Experiment study of dangerous rock mass at Lianzi cliff in the Thress Gorges by centrifuge. Construct Des Res 4:27–31 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang XG, Zhang JH, Zhao YZ (1996) Investigations on mechanism of slope toppling failure by centrifuge model testing. Chin J Geotech Eng 18(5):14–21 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Willem Langenberg C, Ramsden J (1980) The geometry of folds in granitoid rocks of northeastern Alberta. Tectonophysics 66(1–3):269–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xing JY, Xing YC, Chen ZY (2005) Method research of centrifuge modeling of wedge failure in rock slope. Bull Soil Water Conserv 25(3):15–19 (in Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JH, Chen ZY, Wang XG (2007) Centrifuge modeling of rock slopes susceptible to block toppling. Rock Mech Rock Eng 40(4):363–382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang LM, Hu D (1990) Yielding and failure behavior of small scale centrifuge models. J Chengdu Univ Sci Technol 2:7–12

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work is sponsored by the National Key Technology R&D Programme for the 12th Five-years Plan (No. 2012BAK10B01), the National Geological Survey (No.1212011220140), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.41302246) and the Basic Science Foundation of Institute of Geomechanics (No. DZLXJK201307). The author appreciates the help of Dr. Li B. and He K. in literature retrieval.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Neotectonic movement and Geohazards of MLR in Institute of Geomechanics, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, No.11 Minzudaxve South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China

    Zhen Feng

  2. China Geological Environmental Monitoring Institute, Beijing, 100080, China

    Yueping Yin

Authors
  1. Zhen Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yueping Yin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zhen Feng .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. UNITWIN Headquaters, Kyoto University Uji-Campus, Kyoto, Japan

    Kyoji Sassa

  2. Florence, Italy

    Paolo Canuti

  3. Center of Geo-Hazards Emergency Technology, MLR, Beijing, China

    Yueping Yin

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this paper

Cite this paper

Feng, Z., Yin, Y. (2014). Geotechnical Centrifuge Modelling for Rock Slope Failure: A Brief Overview. In: Sassa, K., Canuti, P., Yin, Y. (eds) Landslide Science for a Safer Geoenvironment. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05050-8_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation