Dynamic Response Characteristics and Failure Mechanism of Coal Slopes with Weak Intercalated Layers under Blasting Loads

Abstract

Rock slopes with weak intercalated layers could experience disturbance from various deep mining activities; however, their dynamic stability has not been thoroughly investigated. In this paper, the dynamic response characteristics and failure mechanism of the coal slopes with weak intercalated layers under blasting loads were studied by means of numerical analysis, shaking table tests, and field tests. The effects of dynamic loads with different frequencies on the dynamic response of the slope were analyzed, and the natural frequency of the slope was also determined. The results show that the dynamic amplification effect of the slope is smaller than that of the homogeneous slope, and weak layers weaken the wave propagation in the rock mass. Both experimental and field investigation results show that the slope’s natural frequency was approximately 35 Hz. The slope deformation decreased with the distance of the blasting source. Cracks appear along the weak interlayer firstly under the action of horizontal vibration; then, longitudinal cracks occur at the slope crest. With the increase of dynamic loads, cracks continue expanding, deepening, and penetrating in the main controlled weak interlayer; then, the sliding body presents tensile shear failure along the sliding surface. This study could provide insights into the understanding of the coal slope instability and failure mechanism; this could benefit the blasting operation of the coal slope in fields.