Experimental study on damage of slope under drying and wetting cycle based on DC electric method

Area of Science:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Geophysics

Background:

• Dump slopes face stability challenges due to cyclic drying and wetting.
• Understanding seepage and crack propagation is crucial for slope safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dump slope seepage laws and crack development under simulated rainfall.
• To analyze the impact of these processes on slope stability.
• To establish geoelectric field characteristics for damage assessment.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a simulation test slope system in a controlled rainfall environment.
• Derived apparent resistivity response formulas using three-phase medium theory and Maxwell's conductivity formula.
• Monitored geoelectric field characteristics during simulated slope damage.

Main Results:

• A negative correlation exists between resistivity and water content; resistivity increases with cracks and decreases with water infiltration.
• Crack formation progresses through three stages: saturation, capillary zone/waterway development, and crack expansion.
• Sudden resistivity changes in saturated slopes indicate cracks and weak surfaces, signifying irreversible damage.

Conclusions:

• Apparent resistivity monitoring can effectively detect cracks and weak surfaces in dump slopes.
• Geoelectric field analysis provides a valuable tool for early prediction of slope instability.
• The findings enhance understanding of dump slope behavior under hydro-thermal cycles.