Numerical modelling of toppling

Evidence of large-scale toppling deformation has been reported in association with deep-seated landslides affecting mountain slopes along the Beaver River valley, Glacier National Park, British Columbia, Canada. A study has been undertaken to quantitatively investigate the relationship between the toppling mass movement process and the deep-seated landslides; specifically, whether the landslides represent a limiting condition of the toppling process. This is the first of two papers that describe the study. Methods of toppling analysis, including limit-equilibrium, finite-element, and distinct-element methods, are critically reviewed. The distinct-element method emerges as the best technique for modelling both block and flexural modes of toppling. The method is verified by modelling three examples of toppling: a theoretical block topple, a physical model of flexural toppling, and an engineered slope from the Brenda mine near Peachland, British Columbia. The results demonstrate that the Universal Distinct E...