Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 13 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 113-122
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20261010
Distinct Element Modeling for the Stability Analysis of Fractured Rock Slopes: Case of Dolerite Slope from the Mamelle Hill, Dakar, Senegal
Moussa SAWADOGO1, Dethie SARR1
1Geotechnical Department, UFR Engineering Sciences, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies-Senegal
Corresponding Author: Moussa SAWADOGO
ABSTRACT
The stability of fractured rock slopes is strongly influenced by the mechanical and kinematic behaviour of discontinuity networks. This study focuses on the analysis of the stability and failure mechanism of a rock slope composed of dolerite in the western Mamelle area of Dakar, using the distinct element method calculation code. The geomechanical characterization of the rock mass was carried out using the RMR and GSI classification systems, yielding values of 63 respectively, corresponding to a good quality rock mass. The numerical modelling results show that the mechanical response of the slope is primarily controlled by the network of discontinuities. The maximum calculated displacement is 9.574 × 10⁻⁴ m, while the maximum shear displacement along the joints reaches 6.366 × 10⁻⁴ m. The stress field remains predominantly compressive, with no significant concentration of tensile stresses. The results indicate that the potential instability mechanism is primarily associated with shearing and sliding along the discontinuities, rather than a deep or circular failure mechanism. Finally, the stability assessment yields a safety factor of 3.61, confirming the rock mass’s very good overall stability.
Keywords: Dolerite; Slope stability; Distinct Element Method; Discontinuity network; Factor of safety; Mamelle Hill.
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