Rock slope stability analysis using shear strength reduction technique (SSRT) – case histories

Wael R Abdellah,Mamdouh Y Hussein,Said S Imbabi

doi:10.33271/mining14.02.016

Abstract

The authors acknowledge the support of Rocscience Inc. for getting a free full educational version of RS2D (Rock-Soil two-dimensional finite-element analysis program). The authors are grateful for their support.

Highlights

Open pit mining is one of the most economical mining methods when extracting large volumes of mineral ore deposits, which can accommodate different size equipment
Geological structures determine the slope failure mechanism associated with rock mass and its pattern such as planar, wedge, toppling and/or circular failure [1]-[11]
The following sections present the results of the four modelled cases (i.e., no joints rock mass, joint networks parallel to the slope face, parallel joint networks dip out the slope face, and cross-joint networks) in terms of critical strength reduction factor (CSRF), maximum total displacement and maximum shear strain

Summary

Introduction

Open pit mining is one of the most economical mining methods when extracting large volumes of mineral ore deposits, which can accommodate different size equipment. The geometry of open pit (i.e., bench/berm height and width) is determined according to the reach of the equipment, dip/shape of the ore body, safety considerations, and most notably rock slope stability. The slope stability of the open pit is a crucial design factor and has to be considered. Several factors affect the slope stability of open pit such as rock mass strength properties, slope geometry (i.e., overall slope angle and slope extension), presence of groundwater and existence of geological structures (e.g., the plane of weakness, faults, joint sets, etc.). Geological structures determine the slope failure mechanism associated with rock mass and its pattern such as planar, wedge, toppling and/or circular failure [1]-[11]. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the slope stability of open pit without/with the presence of geological structures (e.g., joint networks). The analysis has been conducted employing shear strength reduction technique (SSRT) implemented in FE analysis

Objectives

Results

Conclusion