Analysis of a database of open pit mine slope failures to predict travel distance, setback distance, and geometric properties

Abstract

In mining, open pits have slopes cut as steep as possible to ensure efficient mining yet not too steep to jeopardize safety. Building on existing contributions, the Texas A&M University Mine Slope database (TAMU-MineSlope) was created to provide global-scale insights into the runout mechanics of open pit slope failures and offer the database to engineers for further study. The database includes 134 cases of open pit slope failures that occurred at 76 mines worldwide. Based on energy principles and an analysis of the TAMU-MineSlope data, an equation to predict the travel distance of the slope failure mass is presented in this paper. Furthermore, based on the case histories analysis, an equation to predict the setback distance is proposed. Finally, the TAMU-MineSlope database shows that the average width to height ratio of the failing slope mass is 2.7 and that, for this ratio, the 3D factor of safety (FS) can reach a value 15% higher than the 2D FS. The database has been released in the public domain.