ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a different failure mode—that of toppling, which involves rotation of columns or blocks of rock about a fixed base. R. E. Goodman and J. Bray have described a number of different types of toppling failures that may be encountered in the field. The computer model illustrates a typical feature of toppling failures in which the tension cracks are wider at the top than at the base. Similar to the plane and wedge failures, the stability analysis of toppling failures involves, first, carrying out a kinematic analysis of the structural geology to identify potential toppling conditions, and then, if the condition exists, performing a stability analysis specific to toppling failures. The chapter describes the potential for toppling can be assessed from two kinematic tests. These tests examine first the shape of the block, and second the relationship between the dip of the planes forming the slabs and the face angle.
