Simulation Modeling of the Process of Accident Risk Realization during Stripping Operations at an Open-Pit Coal Mine

Abstract

Introduction. The need to increase the level of comprehensive safety, reduce accident and injury rates, minimize the risk of failures, accidents and catastrophes determines the relevance of research on the relationship of elements of the "human–machine–environment" (H–M–E) system during open-pit mining. One of the most effective mechanisms for studying the functional characteristics of the H–M–E system of a coal mine is to conduct simulation modeling in order to identify problematic situations that trigger accidents with catastrophic consequences and injury to personnel. Simulation modeling of a technological process involves constructing a model of a real system and setting up computational experiments to describe the behavior of the system and evaluate various strategies that ensure its functioning. The aim of the research was to adapt simulation modeling technologies to solve the problem of complex safety during open-pit mining. Within the framework of the study, the task was to determine the elements that made the greatest contribution to the implementation of risks in the H–M–E system during stripping operations at a coal mine. The simulated subsystems were "human", "machine", "environment", and "weather conditions". Materials and Methods. Stripping process was considered in the ARIS eEPC (extended Event Driven Process Chain) methodology as a business process linking a set of subprocesses and/or business operations. To build a simulation model in the AnyLogic software environment, the business process of stripping works in ARIS eEPC notation was described by a graph representing a structure consisting of objects and connections between them. This approach allowed us to structure the sequence of events and operations and determine alternative outcomes that arose during stripping operations. Results. As part of the research, a method was developed for translating the formal model of the stripping business process in ARIS eEPC notation into a combined simulation model of AnyLogic. Based on the developed method, a series of machine experiments was carried out. The elements influencing the realization of the risk of accidents in the H–M–E system of a coal mine were determined. Discussion and Conclusion. For the first time in the domestic practice of research of the H–M–E system, simulation modeling technologies have received an application for the analysis of complex safety indicators during open-pit mining. According to the simulation experiment results, it was found that the main influence on the decrease in the reliability of the "machine" subsystem was exerted by the human factor, which, together with the psychophysiological properties of a person, enhanced the development of the domino effect when implementing various types of risks. The presented results and experimental approbation of simulation modeling technology can have advanced use in the analysis of complex technical systems safety, taking into account the influence of human and man-made factors.