Abstract: The failure of the broken rock slope is usually governed by joints and cracks in the rock mass. The deterioration of the joints and cracks with different degrees induced by artificial activities and rainfall infiltrations has a negative impact on the slope stability. This study is to investigate the failure and stability evolution process caused by the deterioration of joints and cracks based on a broken rock slope in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Firstly, the finite element method considering joint and crack networks is used to accurately simulate the distribution of the joints and cracks in the slope. Secondly, the failure evolution process of the slope under the influence of joint and crack degradation is analyzed via the defined degradation coefficient parameter of the strength and stiffness of the joints and cracks. Finally, the slope stability under joint and crack deterioration with different degrees is evaluated, and evolution of the factor of safety and distribution of potential sliding surface is analyzed by combining with the strength reduction method. The research results can provide a reference for the stabilizing treatments of similar rock slopes in other regions.

Key words: Crack Deterioration, Broken Rock Slope, Stability Evolution, Strength Reduction Method