A Qslope-based empirical method to stability assessment of mountain rock slopes in multiple faults zone: A case for North of Tabriz

Mehdi Kouhdaragh; Mohammad Azarafza; Reza Derakhshani

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2022.101718

A Q_slope-based empirical method to stability assessment of mountain rock slopes in multiple faults zone: A case for North of Tabriz

MethodsX. 2022 Apr 29:9:101718. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101718. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Mehdi Kouhdaragh¹, Mohammad Azarafza², Reza Derakhshani^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Malekan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malekan, Iran.
² Department of Civil Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
³ Department of Geology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran.
⁴ Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Abstract

The present article provides an empirical relationship for rock slope stability assessment based on Q_slope classification. The relationship is used as a correction procedure for classic Q_slope for mountain regions with multiple fractures related to several faults. The relationship is derived from 25 distinct jointed slopes near the North Tabriz Fault (NTF). The NTF triggered numerous micro-faults and fractures in rocky landscapes, resulting in sliding on a variety of scales. The present empirical method is introduced based on a field survey and a stability analysis of the studied slopes based on Q_slope principles. The results indicate that the classic formulation of Q_slope can be modified to β = 62.6 log10 (Q_slope) + 36 for mountain regions with multiple fault zones. • This empirical method can be useful for fast stability assessment on jointed rock slopes. • This relationship can use as a modification for the original formula in multiple faults zones.

Keywords: Fault zone; Qslope; Rock slope classification; Rock slope engineering; Slope stability.