Abstract: There are a large number of floating boulders in slopes in the southern coastal areas of China. Due to the ambiguousness of floating boulders on the sliding behavior of slopes, the stability analysis and slope treatment of floating boulder slopes are uncertain. To reveal the impact of floating boulders on the stability of slopes, a finite element model of the slope was established based on the ABQUS software, and floating boulders were generated using the Monte Carlo random method within the model. The interface adhesive behavior was established between the contact surface of the boulder and soil, and the interaction relationship between the rock and the soil was simulated. Subsequently, the slope stability was examined using the strength reduction method. At the same time, a comparative verification was conducted with the analysis results of Li Zheng’s circular arc sliding. The study results are follow: For homogeneous slopes, the analysis results of the finite element model are consistent with those of the sliding calculation of the Li Zheng circular arc, proving the feasibility of the finite element model boulder; Floating boulders can increase the safety factor of the slope to some extent; Floating boulders have a significant impact on the characteristic of slope failure and the development of plastic deformation zones, with the main feature being that the sliding surface of the slope will bypass the floating boulders and present a “aroundrock” effect; moreover, the floating boulders can significantly reduce the development of plastic deformation in areas outside the main sliding surface; as the volume of the total floating boulder increasing, the safety factor of the slope was significantly improved.

Key words: Boulders, Slope, ABAQUS, Stability Analysis