"A Comparison of Several Methods in a Rock Slope Stability Analysis in Syria"

Abstract

This research uses some traditional methods, numerical methods and stereographic projection in rock slope stability analysis. It mainly concentrates on kinematical analysis using the principles of stereographic projection, in order to determine the expected failure mechanisms of rock slopes.This researchuses the mentioned methods and principles in the stability analysis of some rock slopes in an open pit mine in Syria, that is Khneifees phosphate mine. The importance of this researchis that it shows the role of kinematical analysis in minimizing efforts when verifying the safety of rock slopes in site, and when performing safe designs of excavating works and slope constructing by choosing safe directions. Also, the importance of this researchis that it presents some useful charts and equations to facilitate the site work of engineers when dealing with rock slopes, and speed up making decisions about the relationship between the safe factor and slope height, slope dip or discontinuity dip, such as determiningthe safe factor of existent slope or determining the allowable height or dip of the slope.

Key Words: Rock Slope - Traditional and Numerical Methods - Kinematic Analysis.