Comparison of Failure Modes in Benched Slopes Using Centrifugal Models and 3D DEM Simulations

Abstract

The stability and failure modes of benched slopes differ from those of slopes with simpler geometry. Centrifugal model tests were conducted to compare the failure modes of benched slopes with varying bench heights under static conditions. To further understand the influencing factors and failure processes in the benched slopes, a three-dimensional discrete element method was used to simulate the centrifuge test. The simulation followed the centrifugal modeling mechanism to reduce computational costs. The results revealed that slopes with a higher first bench were more stable, with failure confined to the bench level. The failure modes of the centrifugal benched slopes were influenced by the water content distribution and the spatial nonuniformity of the centrifugal loading.