Integrated Structural Analysis for Evaluating Rock Slope Stability in Selected Sites in Duhok, Northern Iraq

In this study, the effects of structural properties on rock-slope stability were investigated in northern Iraq (Duhok) due to compression tectonics associated with the Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt. The study's outcome will be a significant step towards understanding how joint geometry and lithologic heterogeneity control failure mechanisms in natural slopes and engineered road cuts. The field investigation was performed in six selected stations, where the dip direction and angle of bedding and joint sets were determined using petrographic analyses. They were processed by Stereographic projection using Dips v6. 008 for run-out analysis between discontinuities and slope faces, and to the DSMR and CSMR systems for the sake of discrimination of stability levels. It was found that joint–slope interactions significantly influence instability, particularly when intersection lines of slopes are included in daylight surfaces. The highest values of the critical condition were observed at Zawita-3, Matin-1, and Kli Bisri-3; these stations represent undesirable structural attitudes as well as the microfacies that weaken shear strength. Ashwa and Swaratoka have stable forms, whereas Avanha exhibited an intermediate stable form. Petrographic observations characterized these variations, as micrite content and bioclastic components or packing textures were found to affect frictional behaviors. Overall, this work illustrates that slope instability in the region is mostly dictated by the pre-existing tectonic and not only by lithology, emphasizing the need to combine structural mapping, kinematic analysis, and rock-mass classification. The results offer a scientific reference to hazard prevention for transport lines and tourist roads, and dynamic monitoring is still necessary in high-risk zones.