Abstract
The waste dumps resulted from the lignite exploitation activities from Oltenia are constructions that reach, in most cases, impressive dimensions and store large volumes of sterile rocks. Usually, the dumps are arranged and ecologically restored, but between the moment of their release from technological tasks and the beginning of the arrangement works, periods of time, measured even in years, can pass. The calculations regarding the geometry of the waste dumps are performed in the design stage, taking into account the mechanical strength characteristics of the mixture of sterile material that forms them, so as to ensure a sufficient stability reserve during the construction period and when the projected storage capacity is achieved. If the arrangement and ecological restoration works do not start immediately after the depositing activity is stopped, the exposure of loose and disaggregated material to the influence of external factors (especially erosion and rainfall infiltration) can lead to landslides with disastrous consequences on natural and anthropogenic objectives located in the influence area. This paper analyzes the stability elements of waste dumps under normal operating conditions, the modification of the strength characteristics over time and the geometry required in the final phase so as to ensure their long-term stability.
Highlights
IntroductionThe stability of slopes in the case of open-pit exploitation of useful substances is one of the most important issues, both during operation (active period of open pits) and after their closure
The stability of slopes in the case of open-pit exploitation of useful substances is one of the most important issues, both during operation and after their closure
It must be taken into account that we work with values that are valid at the time of calculations, values that change over time, especially due to the influence of external factors or as a result of rheological processes that cause major changes in the state of stress and tension and accentuation of deformations
Summary
The stability of slopes in the case of open-pit exploitation of useful substances is one of the most important issues, both during operation (active period of open pits) and after their closure. Sliding of dumps slopes can have multiple causes, including incorrect sizing and/or non-compliance with the projected geometry, the action of triggering factors that were not taken into account in the design process, the failure of the base terrain, etc. It must be taken into account that we work with values that are valid at the time of calculations, values that change over time, especially due to the influence of external factors (such as erosion, water infiltration into the body of dumps, the appearance of overloads on the upper platform of the dump, or the action of mechanical shocks that are transmitted in the form of seismic waves) or as a result of rheological processes that cause major changes in the state of stress and tension and accentuation of deformations. The deformation rate increases significantly in periods of heavy rainfall, which coincide with the snow-melting period, due to the increase in moisture of the material mixture, when it becomes thick plastic and/or soft plastic
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