Abstract

This project aims to determine the correlation between the two empirical method to
achieve relevant results for rock slope instabilities that are the Slope mass rating and
Q-slope rating by assessing the rock slopes along the Sorchen-Gedu highway
extending to an approximate of 27km. The project also aims to determine the stability
of these rock slopes by conducting kinematic analysis and Limit Equilibrium Method
(LEM) analysis. The area selected for the study is one of the major highway as it is a
part of the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway which is also the first highway ever
constructed across Bhutan. The highway has its part in the national economy as it
connects the capital of the country to one of the major trade towns and also the
neighbouring country (India). Records of more than 600 daily vehicles passing by
being recorded which are either for personal, commercial or official purposes, this is
one of the busiest highways in the country. Therefore, this study was conducted to
determine area with rock slope with critical failures and give suitable
recommendation for these rock slopes in order to ensure safety of the commuters and
minimize hazard due to slope instabilities such as roadblocks, rockfall, etc.

Various geological and lthological data were collected for the slope which include
rock type, attitude of rock slope, joint data, UCS, etc. And a geological wall log and a
regional geological map were produced for the study area based on the superfical
information gained. In-situ testing for the rock slope included Schmidt hammer and
geological hammer testing was performed along with unit weight tests and other
laboratory testing were done to obtain the geological data required for analysis. With
these obtained, RMR basic, SMR and Q-slope rating were performed along with
Kinematic analysis and LEM analysis to evaluate the slope instabilities,

(Result)
1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Due to Bhutan's developing status, its unique geography, and other elements like its
economy, ground transportation is regarded as the most practical and affordable form
of communication (Dorji et al. 2010). The rock slope instabilities in mountain areas
have high risk of hazards such as rock falls and slides due to the presence of
geological discontinuities. Therefore, understanding the structural geology is
important for analyzing the slope stability in order to prevent economic and human
losses (Mboussa et al, 2019). the analysis for slope stability plays a crucial role in
ensuring that there are safe infrastructure particularly in mountainous regions by
evaluation of potential for the slope to exhibit failures and identify necessary
stabilization measures. Various methodologies are used to assess stability and
determine safe slope angle and rectifications (Astuti et al. 2022).

Rock mass rating (1989) or also known as RMR basic is a method of geo-mechanical
classification system of rock slope purposed by Bieniawski (1989). which utilizes
parameters such as compressive strength and conditions of discontinuity. Slope mass
rating (or SMR in short) is another classification system derived form RMR was
introduced by Romana et al. (2003) and is used for stability analysis of rock slopes
which incorporates adjustment factors for slope orientation and excavation method to
assess the stability of slope with more precision (Azarafza et al, 2017). The newer
empirical method of slope stability analysis would be Q-slope method which was
purposed by Bar & Barton, (2017) which evaluates rock slope stability as per
parameters such as rock quality, joint characteristics, environmental considerations
and stress providing a simpler formula to estimate the stability without considering
factors such as potential failure mechanisms, weathering, etc (Bar and Barton, 2017).
with an establishment of a correlation between the two methodologies (SMR and Q-
slope), it grants a thorough evaluation of the stability in rock slope making it crucial.
By integrating these classifications, they enhances the accuracy of stability
assessments which ensures better understanding of failure mechanism and
appropriate support systems selection for discontinuous rock slopes (Mustafa et al.).
Kinematic analysis is widely used to evaluate the rock slope stability using a
conventional stereographic projection analysis. Kinematic analysis is conducted
mainly to evaluate possible failure modes that could arise in a rock mass. The bedding
plane, joints, fractures, faults, and schistosity that result from geological events are
examples of these geological discontinuities. Unfavorably aligned discontinuities
within the rock mass have an impact on the stability of rock slopes. The structural
condition of these discontinuities presents a danger of instability in evaluating the
stability of these rock slopes (Park, Lee, Kim, & Um, 2015).

This involves closely evaluating the structural characteristics of the rock mass as well
as the shape and orientation of any existing discontinuities that could contribute to
instability of the blocks. Using Kinematic analysis, the modes of failure for the rock
mass are identified by plotting the measured orientation of the discontinuities on a
stereo net (Yilmaz I., Marschalko, Yildirim, Dereli, & Bednarik, 2012). Four cases,
planar, wedge, topple and flexural modes of failure are considered. The probability of
failure modes is presented as failure index where the number of discontinuities that
contribute to the failure was also noted and the types of failure modes were identified
using stereographic projection (Singh & Rao, 2016).

One of the more common approach for slope stability analysis is Limit Equilibrium
Method (or LEM) which determines the critical limit equilibrium state of a slope by
reducing the strength parameters which include cohesion and internal friction angle in
order to obtain the factor of safety. Traditional methods of LEM opted for uniform
strength reduction technique but with the application of double strength-reduction
(DSR) method, it enhances the accuracy as it accounts for the different factors
contributing to each strength parameters (Deng et al, 2017 ). The LEM is applied in
slope stability analysis to assess the factor of safety (or FoS) by comparing the shear
strength with the shear stress in a slope stability analysis. It emphasizes on the critical
slip surface, where the FoS is at minimal and where the stability of the slope is
determined making it a crucial part in evaluating slope stability in engineering
projects (Liu et al. 2014) .
1.2 Study Area

The study area for slope stability analysis is located along the Sorchen-Gedu highway
which is a portion of the National Phuentsholing-Thimphu highway extending to an
approximate of 27km as shown in figure . It falls in Chukha Dzongkhag divided into 5
Gewogs namely Bongo, Dala, Geling, Samphaling and Phuentsholing with major of
the portion lying in Geling district. The highway passes through narrow vallies and
are surrounded by step slopes on either sides with complex geology which indicates
the tectonic activity that gave rise to the HImalayas. The coordinate for the study area
lies in latitudes: 26.880°N to 26.940°N and longitudes: 89.420°E to 89.540°E.

Figure 1: Study Area Map

1.3 Regional Geology

Due to the limited access for research in the Bhutanese Himalayan region, geological
mapping of Bhutan was proved to be challenging but was made possible with
collaborative efforts. In line to this study, it has improved understanding of complex
Himalayan-Tibetan geological regions (Long et al. 2011). The study area as per Long
et al, (2011), geological map lies in an area which has undergone extensive gelogical
process and exhibits a complex tectonic region. The area also falls in various
geological category stretching from Baxa Group (Pangsari Formation) at its Southern
ends and the Greater Himalayan Zone to its north (Lower meta-sedimentary unit) to
its north with Daling-Shjumar group falling in the middle explaining the nature of
different lithological unit present (Gansser , 1983). As indicated in figure , the Lower
meta-sedimentary unit (GHlml) consists of meta sedimentary rock which includes
quartizite, biotite-muscovite-garnet schist, parageniss and other rock of the same
family. The Orthogneiss unit (GHlo) consists of Paragneiss, schist and quartzite
intervals. Following the orthogneiss unit, the Jaishidanda formation (Pzj) are rich of
grey, biotite-rich, locally garnet-bearing schists with some traces of quartzite. The
Daling Formation (pCd) is dominated by schist and phyllite and is has a similar
lithology to Shumar Formation (pCs) consisting of mainly of cliff-forming quartzite
with interbeds of thin to thick bedded green muscovite-biotite schist and phylite.
(Long et al. 2011). The Pangsari Formation (pCp) consists of talcose phyllite
interbedded with thick-bedded dolostone and marble with varying colours and thin
bed of quartzite (Bhargava, 1995).

Figure 2: Regional Geological Map

 Geological Rock slope Logging

Geological face mapping or rock slope logging is a method of systematically

documenting the structural features of an exposed outcrop (rock surface) which
includes features such as discontinuities, weathering grades, joint orientations and
other relevant parameters. This process of documentation helps in assessing the rock
mass types, predict potential structural failures and guide design of underground
excavation and surface mitigation works by providing essential data for understanding
geological conditions and potential hazards (Phyo, 2014) . For mapping of rock slope
faces surface information are required which include joint sets, bedding planes, faults,
fractures, foliation planes, cleavage planes, folds, minerals veins and any other
discontinuities or irregularities in rock mass which may provide important insights
into the geological characteristics and stability of the slope (Elmouttie et al. 2006).

This data is collected from on the site and are represented in a graph by locating their
respective slope height and length. The symbols used for the logging are as per the
Geologist Dairy by NHPC (2007). the final representation is than digitized using the
AutoCAD Cvil 3D software with proper compass directions and legends for
reference. The rock slopes exhibiting critical failure during the analysis were selected
and logged for futher understanding of the rock slope.

A) B)

Figure 3: A) Geological Symbols B) Logging of RC 5

A) B)

C) D)

E)

Figure 4: Rock Slope logging of A) RC-10 B) RC-11 C) RC-14 D) RC-3 and E) RC-19
A)

Legends

B)

Legends

C) Legends

D) Legends
Gneiss

Figure 5: Slope logging digitized, A) RC-5 B) RC-10 C) RC-14 D) RC-3

 Figure 6: Slope logging digitized, A) RC-3 B) RC-19

A)
Legends

B)

Legends
Gneiss
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