Numerical analysis of influence of joint inclination on the stability of high rock slope with weak interlayer

In the mountainous area of southwest China, the horizontal layered steep slopes with weak intercalations are widely distributed. The stability of these slopes is often controlled by the weak intercalations and the dominant joint sets. Based on the strength reduction method, a representative numerical simulation model is established in this study, and the ubiquitous-joint model is adopted in which the properties of rock blocks and joints can both be considered, in order to analyze the influence of joint angle on slope stability and potential sliding surface of such slopes. The research results indicate that the joint inclination angle is closely related to both the safety coefficient and the potential sliding range of the slope. With the increase of joint inclination angle, the safety coefficient of the slope decreases, but the downward trend gradually becomes slower. The joint inclination angle also has an obvious influence on the sliding surface range of the horizontal layer slope with weak interlayer. The research results have certain guiding significance in the analysis of failure mechanism, hazard assessment and engineering prevention of this kind of slope.