A transfer coefficient method for rock slope toppling

A common block toppling mode is adopted for analysing toppling stability of rock slopes. A transfer coefficient method is developed based on Goodman and Bray’s kinematic model, by introducing two parameters: the transfer coefficient and equivalent toppling weight, which, given the geometrical and geotechnical parameters of the slope, can be determined as functions of the relative position of the block to the slope crest. Accounting for the case that the block base is not normal to the dominant discontinuities, the arithmetic is extended. The method describes a concise relationship between the normal force of the blocks and their weight represented by their equivalent toppling weight. The analysis process is formulated and easily implemented. A spreadsheet procedure is presented and a typical case is illustrated. It is demonstrated that the transfer coefficient method provides a considerably straightforward means for analysing block toppling of rock slopes and is computationally very efficient.