The Time-Dependent Failure Mechanism of Rocks and Associated Application in Slope Engineering: An Explanation Based on Numerical Investigation

In this study, a numerical model for long-term deformation and progressive failure of rock slope is presented. The model accounts for both rock heterogeneity and the initiation, activation, nucleation, and coalescence of cracks in rock slope through a stochastic local stress field and local rock degradation by using an exponential softening law. The time-dependent behaviour of rocks is taken as a macroscopic consequence of damage evolution and...