Dynamic response of anchoring layered rock slopes subjected to seismic loads

The seismic dynamic responses of rock slopes are a hot topic for geotechnical engineering studies. Based on the interaction between rock slope and anchor bolts, a dynamic numerical model of a layered rock slope was developed using the finite difference software FLAC3D. The dynamic response patterns of anchored and natural slopes under seismic loads were analysed to obtain the supporting effect of anchor bolts during seismic activity. The results indicate that under seismic loads, tensile cracks at the intersection of the top and joint surface develop into a drawing open surface of the back edge, and a shear slip occurs at the base of the slope, both of which result in the formation of tensile-shear slip failure. Permanent slope displacement accumulates only when seismic acceleration exceeds the critical acceleration. The slope deformation has been constrained, and the performance of the slope during the seismic activity has been strengthened by anchor bolt supports, which sig-nificantly increase the ductility of the rock slope under seismic loads. Moreover, during an earthquake, the axial forces of anchor bolts in the middle slope rise more than at any other position. After the earthquake, anchor bolts in the middle have been shown to exhibit maxi-mum axial force. As a complex problem, stability analysis of seismic slopes is important. The analysis of seismic slope failure and the mechanism of slope anchoring are particularly complicated. The present study will help to improve future research on the seismic design and dyna-mic analysis of slopes supported by anchor bolts.