Characteristics of Bulk Slope Destabilization Evolution Under Continuous Recharge of Material Sources—A Case Study of the Duku Highway in Xinjiang

Bulk slopes are widely distributed in the high-altitude,cold mountainous regions of western China,characterized by coarse-grained,loose accumulations devoid of cohesion.Existing research predominantly focuses on internal compositional factors or external environmental influences,often neglecting the cyclical process from slope formation to failure.To address this gap,this study focuses on the Dushanzi-Kuche section of National Highway G217 (Duku Highway) in Xinjiang as the research area.It analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics and environmental susceptibility conditions of these slopes.Furthermore,a physical test model accounting for the effects of continuous material source recharge was developed to explore the destabilization and evolutionary characteristics of bulk slopes under various recharge modes (including recharge volume,rate,direction,and particle size composition).The results reveal that,driven by material source recharge,bulk slopes undergo a cyclical evolutionary process of “stability-accumulation-critical failure-destabilization-stability”.Specifically,an increase in single recharge volume elevates the destabilization probability by 2.13 times;an accelerated recharge rate raises the failure probability from 14.8% to 22.2%;recharge from the primary direction intensifies the destructive effect by 1.33 times compared to lateral recharge;and among particle size variables,a mixed gradation of 5~20mm exerts the most significant impact on slope stability.The study offers valuable guidance for enhancing the predictability and scientific basis of disaster prevention and control in mountain highway engineering.