Abstract: The stability of a high slope containing gently-inclined soft interlayers in Esheng open-pit limestone mine was analyzed by using Burgers rheological model based on conventional mechanical test parameters and rheological parameters obtained by inversion of cyclic shear rheological test. Results demonstrate that Burgers rheological model is able to describe the rheological property of the argillaceous soft interlayers in Permian formation. Simulation results based on the Burgers rheological model revealed the failure of high slope and a high fitting degree between simulated displacement and field-monitored displacement, indicating that the rheological property of soft interlayers plays a dominant role in the failure of high slopes. In conclusion, compared with traditional limit equilibrium method and strength reduction method, Burgers rheological model is more appropriate in researching the long-term stability of high slopes containing gently-inclined soft interlayers.

Key words: open-pit high slope, long-term stability, gently-inclined soft interlayers, Burgers rheological model, numerical simulation