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Stochastic Analysis of Rock Slope Stability: Application of Fuzzy Sets Theory

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Abstract

In carrying out stability analysis of rock slopes, it is inevitable to deal with the geometrical and geomechanical parameters that are approximate in nature. The geometrical parameters, namely dips and dip directions of discontinuities, are conventionally selected by drawing the density contours on stereonet and then picking the point with the highest density. The density contours in itself clearly show the approximation inherent in the geometrical parameters. Moreover, inexactness involved in expressing the geomechanical parameters such as cohesion and friction angle of the rock mass or the rock joints must also be considered in the analyses. The theory of fuzzy sets capable of dealing with vague and inexact parameters is an ideal tool for this kind of problem. In this study, an algorithm is proposed based on the theory of fuzzy sets to assess the stability analysis of rock slopes. To this end, a 3-D membership function is proposed to represent the approximate nature of discontinuities. Incorporating the proposed fuzzy sets for the discontinuities together with the suitable fuzzy sets assigned to the geomechanical parameters, the final fuzzy safety factor is determined accordingly. Finally, practical applications of the proposed method are illustrated using actual field records.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dezab Consulting Company for providing Geotechnical field and laboratory data of Cheragh-veis spillway excavation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

    Ghassem Habibagahi

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Rashid Shahgholian

  3. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, Iran

    S. Mohammad Sadegh Sahraeian

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  1. Ghassem Habibagahi
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  2. Rashid Shahgholian
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  3. S. Mohammad Sadegh Sahraeian
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Correspondence to Ghassem Habibagahi.

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Habibagahi, G., Shahgholian, R. & Sahraeian, S.M.S. Stochastic Analysis of Rock Slope Stability: Application of Fuzzy Sets Theory. Iran J Sci Technol Trans Civ Eng 45, 851–863 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-020-00525-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-020-00525-3

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