Stead, D, Coggan, JS, Elmo, D & Yan, M 2007, 'Modelling Brittle Fracture in Rock Slopes - Experience Gained and Lessons Learned', in Y Potvin (ed.), Slope Stability 2007: Proceedings of the 2007 International Symposium on Rock Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 239-252, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/708_13
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/708_13_Stead/)
Abstract: Modelling of rock slopes has until recently traditionally considered failure as a yield/sliding dominated 
process. Brittle failure of rock during the rock slope failure was generally considered either unimportant or 
too difficult to model. The authors present a review of brittle rock fracture simulation in rock slope failure 
and discuss the approaches adopted to-date. Particular emphasis is given to the application of a hybrid 
finite-discrete element code incorporating fracture mechanics criteria. Simon Fraser University and 
Camborne School of Mines using this approach have almost fifteen years combined experience in simulating 
brittle rock fracture during rock slope failure including a wide variety of failure mechanisms. Initial 
modelling focused on back analysis of both major natural rock slides and engineered slopes. The rock slopes 
were modelled from an equivalent continuum to a rock debris pile.  In the second phase of modelling an 
equivalent continuum was assumed and a total slope analysis simulated including development of the failure 
surface, brittle fracture of the rock mass and debris transport. The authors then considered the importance 
of limited discontinuity persistence and step-path failure involving intact rock fracture through rock bridges. 
Discrete pre-existing fractures of varied persistence were initially assumed with more recent rock slope 
analyses incorporating discrete fracture networks. The authors emphasise that the incorporation of intact 
rock fracture into the analysis of rock slopes is important in many rock slopes and essential if the failure of 
large open pit slopes or high mountain failures is to be realistically modelled.