Thermomechanical forcing of deep rock slope deformation: 1. Conceptual study of a simplified slope

Thermo-elastic rock slope deformation is often considered to be of relatively minor importance and limited to shallow depths subject to seasonal warming and cooling. In this study, we demonstrate how thermomechanical (TM) effects can drive rock slope deformation at greater depths below the annual thermal active layer. Here in Part 1 of two companion papers, we present 2D numerical models of a simplified slope subject to annual surface temperature cycles. The slope geometry and discontinuity sets are loosely based on the Randa instability considered in detail in Part 2. Results show that near-surface thermo-elastic stresses can propagate to depths of 100 m and more as a result of topography and elasticity of the rock mass. Shear dislocation along discontinuities can have both a reversible component controlled by discontinuity compliance and, provided that the stress state is sufficiently close to the strength limit, an irreversible component (i.e., slip). Induced slip increments are followed by stress redistribution resulting in the propagation of slip fronts. Thus, deformation and progressive rock slope failure can be driven solely by thermomechanical forcing. The influence of TM-induced stress changes becomes stronger for increasing numbers of critically stressed discontinuities and is enhanced if failure of discontinuities involves slip-weakening. The net TM effect acts as a meso-scale fatigue process, involving incremental discontinuity slip and hysteresis driven by periodic loading.