ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the primary issues that need to be considered in rock slope design for civil projects and open pit mines. A variety of engineering activities require excavation of rock cuts. The common design requirement for rock cuts is to determine the maximum safe cut face angle compatible with the planned maximum height. The design of rock cuts for civil projects such as highways and railways is usually concerned with details of the structural geology. The support is designed to both ensure long-term stability of the overall slope, and minimize rock falls that could be a hazard to traffic. One of the factors that may influence the stability of natural rock slopes is the regional tectonic setting. Failures of rock slopes, both man-made and natural, include rock falls, overall slope instability and landslides, as well as slope failures in open pit mines. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.