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<p>Rock slope instability along the Sangla–Chitkul corridor in the Higher Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, India, constitutes a significant hazard. The present study incorporates a comparative numerical modeling framework to evaluate the rock slope stability. Field examination, laboratory testing, and literature database were integrated to assess sixteen rock slopes using the Distinct Element Method (DEM) and a hybrid Discrete Fracture Network based Finite Element Method (DFN–FEM). Rock mass behavior was modeled using Mohr–Coulomb plasticity for intact blocks and a slip surface formulation for discontinuities, with regional seismic effects incorporated through pseudo-static loading. Both approaches exhibit strong statistical agreement, producing nearly identical mean factor of safety and high correlation coefficients; however, the DFN–FEM method provides more conservative stability estimates for marginally stable slopes. Seismic loading reduces overall stability by approximately 16–19%, inducing failure in slopes that remain stable under gravity loading. The displacement contour and velocity fields, reveal kinematic failure mechanisms governed by discontinuities. Furthermore, statistical analyses identify slope height as the dominant geometric factor, with a critical threshold near 40&#xa0;m beyond which the FoS decreases abruptly; high risk configurations correspond to heights exceeding 30–35&#xa0;m and steep face angles. Sensitivity analysis based on a probabilistic DFN–FEM results further indicates that joint cohesion and joint friction angle are the most influential geomechanical parameters. Overall, slope geometry, joint orientations, and joint controlled shear strength emerge as the primary drivers of instability in this Himalayan setting. Furthermore, DFN–FEM analysis shows that geometric re-profiling and systematic rock bolting provide a robust and cost-effective strategy for mitigating critical slope hazards.</p>

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Rock slope failures in Baspa Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India: a multi method numerical assessment and mitigation strategies

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月23日

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  • Vishnu Himanshu Ratnam Pandey,
  • Ashutosh Kainthola,
  • Gaurav Kushwaha,
  • C. S. Singh

摘要

Rock slope instability along the Sangla–Chitkul corridor in the Higher Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, India, constitutes a significant hazard. The present study incorporates a comparative numerical modeling framework to evaluate the rock slope stability. Field examination, laboratory testing, and literature database were integrated to assess sixteen rock slopes using the Distinct Element Method (DEM) and a hybrid Discrete Fracture Network based Finite Element Method (DFN–FEM). Rock mass behavior was modeled using Mohr–Coulomb plasticity for intact blocks and a slip surface formulation for discontinuities, with regional seismic effects incorporated through pseudo-static loading. Both approaches exhibit strong statistical agreement, producing nearly identical mean factor of safety and high correlation coefficients; however, the DFN–FEM method provides more conservative stability estimates for marginally stable slopes. Seismic loading reduces overall stability by approximately 16–19%, inducing failure in slopes that remain stable under gravity loading. The displacement contour and velocity fields, reveal kinematic failure mechanisms governed by discontinuities. Furthermore, statistical analyses identify slope height as the dominant geometric factor, with a critical threshold near 40 m beyond which the FoS decreases abruptly; high risk configurations correspond to heights exceeding 30–35 m and steep face angles. Sensitivity analysis based on a probabilistic DFN–FEM results further indicates that joint cohesion and joint friction angle are the most influential geomechanical parameters. Overall, slope geometry, joint orientations, and joint controlled shear strength emerge as the primary drivers of instability in this Himalayan setting. Furthermore, DFN–FEM analysis shows that geometric re-profiling and systematic rock bolting provide a robust and cost-effective strategy for mitigating critical slope hazards.