2D and 3D dynamic numerical modelling of seismically induced rock slope failure

The stability of rock slopes is often guided by the structural geology of the rocks composing the slope. Especially, discontinuities can significantly influence slope stability according to their orientation with respect to the one of general slope. Here, we will focus on the triggering of giant rockslides. The final goal is to identify failure characteristics allowing us to distinguish seismic trigger modes from climatic ones, notably on the basis of the source zone rock structures. This study is supported by dynamic numerical modelling. More specifically, we will present results based on a parametric numerical study, using distinct element codes designed for 2D and 3D dynamic analysis. This study was applied to the Balta rockslide in the SE Carpathian Mountains (Romania) that has been extensively studied by Mreyen et al. (2019) during the last years.