Wave propagation process and shallow spallation of rock slope under the dynamic loads is numerically simulated to investigate the applied incident compressive stress wave on the fracturing process and failure induced in the rock mass. Heterogeneity of the rock materials is taking into account and the RFPA dynamics is firstly briefly described. Then, the propagation of compressive stress wave along a one-dimensional rock bar is performed to validate the effectiveness of the RFPA-dynamics code. Furthermore, the shallow spallation of rock slope under the dynamic loads is carried out. Numerical simulations capture the whole process of the propagation of incident compressive stress waves in the rockmass and the reflection of stress wave upon rock slope surface and the shallow spallation of rock slope induced by the reflected tensile stress wave, which is obviously different from the failure pattern of rock slope under static loads, where a circular slip failure surface normally formed in the rockmass. The approach suggested in this paper also can be used generally for estimating dynamic load influences on the development of stress and displacement fields around rock slopes.
On May 12, 2008, the Wenchuan earthquake with a moment magnitude of 8.0 occurred on the NE-SW trending Longmenshan fault zone at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, just west of the Sichuan basin, China. It not only caused severe damage to infrastructure, but also triggered a large number of landslides, rockfalls, rock avalanches, and debris flows. Through the interpretation of post earthquake satellite images a rapid inventory was made of landslides in the earthquake affected area. The database contained more than 9500 individual landslides, mapped as single points, of which approximately 41% were landslides, 28% rockfalls, 10% debris flows and the rest other types of mass movements.
