Influence des caractéristiques mécaniques, géométriques et hydrauliques des discontinuités sur la stabilité des talus rocheux fracturés-Apport de la méthode des éléments distincts

Abstract

The subject of this thesis is part of a research axis relating to the study of the stability of fractured rocky slopes. This work focuses on the influence of the properties of inter-block discontinuities (blocks forming the slope), in particular the friction angle, on the stability of these slopes. The thesis also covers the methods applied in the study of the stability of rock massifs, more particularly the common methods based on the analysis of forces in limit equilibrium and the method of distinct elements (DEM). Indeed, the stability of fractured rock slopes substantially depends on the parameters of inter-block discontinuities. Moreover, the degree of influence of these parameters is not the same. Consequently, it is necessary to carry out numerical simulations and a sensitivity study on these parameters to determine the most influential parameter in order to propose an adequate reinforcement and stabilization solution. In order to validate the numerical simulation approach and the results thus obtained, we studiedthe stability of the D15, a slope located on the Marrakech-Agadir motorway in Morocco. A retroanalysis was specifically carried out on the instability of the “Petit D15” slope located in the extreme north zone of the D15 excavation and a stability study of the rock massif in the northern zone of this excavation were carried out. The analysis is carried out by several analytical and numerical approaches. The originality of this thesis lies in the demonstration of the key role played by the angle of friction of the inter-blocs discontinuities on the stability of fractured rocky slopes and in the quantity of anchors to be implemented to stabilize them. By bringing out the significant contribution of this angle, this thesis will allow designing more appropriate reinforcement systems to stabilize fractured rocky slopes, resulting in substantial savings in terms of reinforcement costs and of adverse consequences and material damage caused by the rupture of these rock slopes.

Date	5 Mar 2021
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Gabriel J. Assaf (Supervisor)