A study of the resonance characteristics of a staggered rock slope under the tri-dimension earthquake wave

The resonance induced by an earthquake often causes more serious damage to the slope and directly affects its seismic performance. To study the resonance characteristics of a staggered rock slope, a 3D numerical model of the slope is established by using the finite element software ANSYS, and the effect of staggered space on the natural frequency of the slope is analyzed. The resonance response laws of different locations on the slope surface and the effect of the earthquake frequency on the stress of the slope are discussed by the harmonic response analysis. The results show that (1) the larger the slope slip distance is, the smaller the fundamental frequency is, and the resonance phenomena may occur under different staggered distances. The horizontal resonance displacement of the slope surface is larger than the vertical one. The front slope has a larger peak displacement and lower resonant frequency compared with those of the back slope. (2) Both the low and high-order natural frequencies can be excited to cause resonance, but the displacement of the high-order resonance is relatively small. The horizontal displacement peak of the front slope and back slope is in the order: top > middle > foot, while that of the side slope is in the order: middle > top > foot. Under high-frequency loading, the dynamic response of the slope at the lower part may be greater than that at the upper part. (3) The shear failure of the slope toe is the main damage in slope resonance. The location of the maximum shear and tensile stress is related to the range of loading frequency. The front slope is more prone to damage. Ground motions with low frequency have a greater influence on the front slope, while high frequency ground motions have the opposite effect. The results can be used as reference to determine the key reinforcement position of a staggered slope in the seismic fortification.