Dynamic Response of High Steep Rock Slopes Based on Wenchuan Near-Field Seismic Motion Characteristics

Near-field seismic motion characteristics are analyzed in accordance with records of the 2008 Ms8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake measured at Wolong Station, upon which the determination of seismic load is introduced. Dynamic response features, such as acceleration, displacement and stress, of high steep rock slopes on the banks of Zipingpu Reservoir at a variety of locations resulting from horizontal seismic force are analyzed with a numerical analysis routine. The dynamic amplification factor on the slope top is determined, leading to a characterization of the mode of failure of the high steep slope. Analyses show that the dynamic amplification factor at the top of the slopes is about 1.34; however, dynamic response deformation features and stress state at different positions on the slope vary. Earthquake damage of the high steep rock slopes consists mainly of partial avalanche of the rock mass at the top of the slopes by joint cutting. Field investigations after the earthquake have partially confirmed the numerical analysis results presented in this paper.