Analytical and Numerical Study of the Rock Slope Stability and Designing the Wire Mesh Systems for Rockfall Protection along the Slope

Abstract

This study investigates rock slope stability and the effectiveness of reinforcement using wire mesh and rock bolts through a combined theoretical and numerical approach. In the first phase, Slide 2D software was used to assess slope stability with weathered layers based on the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM). The model was calibrated using data from a peer-reviewed study, incorporating rock properties according to the Hoek-Brown and Coulomb-Mohr criteria.

The second phase involved detailed modeling with Macro software to evaluate the effects of rock properties, weathering, and climate on slope behavior and their interaction with reinforcement systems. Five rock types were analyzed under varying climatic conditions and long-term effects over 100 years.

Results showed that weathering thickness varied significantly with rock type. In serpentine, it increased more than dolomite. Serpentine also required 5-meter-long rock bolts—double the length needed for dolomite—demonstrating the influence of weathering resistance on reinforcement design.