Block toppling stability in the case of rock blocks with rounded edges

In physical model testing in the laboratory, we compared results for sharp-edge block models and artificially weathered rounded-edge blocks, confirming our formulated hypothesis and enabling us to explain the failure of sets of a small number of not-so-slender blocks. Fieldwork case studies confirm that rounded edges play a role in decreasing stability against toppling. We suggest that our proposed approach can be an appropriate tool to take this effect into account.