Evaluation of stability of high rockfill embankment based on fuzzy mathematics

High rockfill embankment is widely applied to high-grade highways in mountainous areas, and its stable operation can significantly promote traffic and economic development. In this study, a stability evaluation model of high rockfill embankment was constructed based on fuzzy mathematics theory to realize effective and rapid evaluation. Considering representativeness and easy operability, 5 level-1 factor indexes and 16 level-2 factor indexes were determined from different perspectives of embankment fillers, slope conditions, hydraulic conditions, slope protection, and other factors. Weights of different factor indexes were allocated using analytic hierarchy process and all factor indexes were quantified and classified using the fuzzy statistical method according to stability level. Reliabilities of factor indexes were combined with reliability theory for analysis. Finally, the reasonability of the proposed fuzzy evaluation model was verified through application in the high rockfill embankment engineering on the secondary highway of the National Highway 316 from Xunyang to Ankang in Shaanxi Province, China. Results demonstrate that the reliability of this high rockfill embankment is 0.8671 and the final score of the evaluation system is 73.1619, indicating stability. Therefore, the proposed fuzzy evaluation model is reasonable and feasible to evaluate stability of high rockfill embankment, and can provide references for future design.