Abstract: In this paper, propagation characteristics of seismic wave field, dynamic evolution and failure mechanism of a rock slope with connective structural surface were studied. Based on the engineering background of the bank slope of Jinsha River Bridge, FEM analysis and a shaking table test were designed and completed. According to the results of FEM analysis, the connective structural surface caused significant change of the earthquake wave field. After multiple superposition of seismic wave of slope surface and connective structural surface, the PGA of the slope was 1.8 times of the PGA of a homogeneous slope. With the increasing earthquake intensity in the shaking table tests, the first sudden change happened at grade Ⅷ intensity, and the slope changed from elasticity to plasticity. Expansion, penetration, and even overall sliding happened at the slope at grade Ⅸ intensity. Slide surface slipped along steep structural surface on trailing edge and shear outlet neighboring slope toe by shear and slides along penetrating weak structural surface. Therefore, slope may be at the status of plasticity after an intensive earthquake and it may lead to landslide with external forces.

Key words: rock slope, connective bedding structural surface, shaking table test, dynamic evolution, slope instability