Abstract:By adding the function of tracing the propagation of cracks,the numerical manifold method proposed by Dr. Shi Genhua is developed which can simulate both the discontinuity of block system and the tensile or shear failure of intact rock. Based on the examination of convergence and accuracy through several typical and simple cases,the centrifuge test that is employed to model the toppling failure of high rock slope on the left bank of Longtan Hydropower Station is simulated,which considers one set of connected opposite-slope joints with steep-dips and one set of along-slope cracks which are not disconnected with low-dips. In this numerical simulation,the propagation of disconnected cracks and the fracture of rock block under external loads are simulated;both the bearing capacity and failure mode simulated numerically are in well coincidence with results of the test,which presents the mechanism of toppling failure of slopes of this kind again. Also,it shows that the proposed method and the program developed can effectively simulate the toppling failure of rock slope while considering the effects of rock bridges.