The Seismic Dynamic Response Characteristics of the Steep Bedding Rock Slope Are Investigated Using the Hilbert–Huang Transform and Marginal Spectrum Theory

The steep bedding rock slope (SBRS) is easily destabilized under earthquake action, so it is crucial to research the features of this kind of slope’s seismic dynamic reactions in order to prevent and mitigate disasters. Few researchers have examined these slopes from an energy perspective, and the majority of recent research focuses on the displacement and acceleration response patterns of these kinds of slopes under seismic action. This work performed an extended study of a dynamic numerical simulation and systematically analyzed the dynamic response characteristics of this type of slope under earth quake conditions from the standpoint of energy utilizing the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) and marginal spectrum (MSP) theory. This was carried out in response to the slope’s shaking table test from our previous work. The findings indicate the following: (1) The ‘elevation effect’ and ‘surface effect’ are clearly seen in the acceleration amplification factor (AAF) of the slope during an earthquake. The selectivity of the slope acceleration’s Fourier spectrum amplification impact indicates that the elevation amplification effect makes the high-frequency peak’s amplitude more noticeable. (2) Although the effect of the weak layer is more pronounced in the high-frequency portion, both the elevation and the weak layer affect the seismic wave’s Hilbert energy. As a result, the weak layer at the top of the slope is usually destroyed first during an earthquake. (3) Prior to the locked segment’s penetration failure at the toe of the SBRS, the Hilbert energy of the high-frequency band of the marginal spectrum at the monitoring point on the top portion of the segment will rise sharply. This suggests that the upper portion of the locked segment has begun to sustain damage. There are antecedents even when there is no penetration failure.