Pit Slope Research Articles

Pit slope unmanned aerial vehicle image matching based on hybrid scale space and boosted efficient binary local image descriptor

Pit slope unmanned aerial vehicle image matching based on hybrid scale space and boosted efficient binary local image descriptor

Hydrological classification of mine pit lakes using modelling experiments

With the growing global prevalence of open-pit mining activities, there is an increasing necessity for sustainable mine life cycle plans with an early outlook towards mine closure. A major consideration in mine closure planning is the potential formation of lakes in the mine void and how these “pit lakes” can be managed to minimise risks and, if possible, create benefits. Understanding the long-term interactions between pit lakes, groundwater, and surface water systems is essential for that purpose. While numerous site-specific studies have been undertaken, there have been no studies that aim to provide a general, broadly applicable understanding of how pit lake hydrology relates to geographical context, and no efforts to hydrologically classify pit lakes using geographical criteria. This research employs an integrated generic pit lake water balance model to examine mine pit lake interactions with the surrounding surface water and groundwater. Simulating 243 scenarios, the influence of five input factors (climate, hydraulic conductivity, regional groundwater level, catchment area and pit slope) on pit lake behaviour up to 6000 years beyond the closure of the mine was considered. The assessment focused on four pit lake hydrological attributes once the system reached equilibrium: water level, time to equilibrium, the fraction of days where the pit recharges groundwater, and the fraction of days where there is surface overflow from the lake. All scenarios were assigned to one of five hydrological classes based on the interactions between the pit lake and the surrounding surface water and groundwater. Our findings show that, in many contexts, general data on climate type and subsurface hydraulic conductivity can yield reliable predictions of a pit lake's long-term hydrological classification without having to develop a detailed, site-specific pit lake model. The classification needs improvements in non-arid climates where inter-annual variation in rainfall is pronounced. The pit lake classification is particularly valuable for first-pass risk assessments to determine whether site-specific modelling is required.

Optimisation of open pit slope design considering groundwater effects using particle swarm optimisation and scaled boundary finite element method

Slopes are a crucial structures in open pit mines. Their design has implications on the economic, safety and environmental operation of the mining industry. Designing stable slopes can be challenging due to the complexities introduced by the stratigraphy and hydrology of the strata. With rising commodity costs and inflation rates, mining operating costs are increasing. Reducing operational costs is necessary for mining industries to remain competitive. While steepening the pit slope can decrease stripping materials and save money, it also increases the risk associated with slope surges. Therefore, optimising slopes is crucial for both financial and safety reasons. Numerical models such as the finite element method experience challenges in mesh generation of heterogeneous systems characterised by varying material properties and stratigraphies. Moreover, the need for repetitive geometry update necessitates recursive mesh regeneration that increases the computational burden. Moreover, previous slope optimisation studies focus solely on dry conditions. To consider the complex condition of hydrology along with heterogeneity in the soil stratigraphy, this study develops an optimisation procedure by combining the particle swarm optimisation algorithm and the scaled boundary finite element with an image-based meshing technique to optimise slopes with groundwater and achieve the desired factor of safety (FoS). The method changes the slope design parameters and the phreatic surface of groundwater simultaneously, considering user-defined parameters while iteratively re-meshing the optimisation processes. Several cases are presented, demonstrating the optimisation of bench width, bench angle, backfill parameters, and groundwater pumping levels.

Research on controlled mining of end slope fire-burned area in open-pit mine

To solve the problem of controlling mining in the open-pit mine end slope fire-burned area, applying multivariate function fitting to the roof and floor modeling of multi-coal seam open pit mines, introducing the factor of coal quality changes in the fire-burned area, determining coal quality information at each location through proximate analysis of coal, to establish the net profit model of the mining area, it is determined the net profit of each mining position by numerical integration, the final mining position was determined without failure by calculating the slope stability based on the numerical simulation of strength reduction. Taking the Dananhu No. 2 open-pit mine in Hami, Xinjiang, China as the engineering background, the fire-burned area III within the southern end slope boundary of the first mining area is 240 m. It was finally determined that the optimal mining position is when the advancement degree is 182 m, the ultimate pit slope angle is 25°, the three-dimensional slope stability is 1.305, the profit is 671.96 million yuan, The deep boundary of the southern end slope fire-burned area of the slope is reduced by 58 m. This paper solves the problem of end slope mining in Dananhu No. 2 mine, and maximizes its net profit under the condition of ensuring safe production.

Numerical Investigation of Bedding Rock Slope Potential Failure Modes and Triggering Factors: A Case Study of a Bridge Anchorage Excavated Foundation Pit Slope

The analysis of slope failure modes is essential for understanding slope stability. This study investigated the failure modes and triggering factors of a rock slope using the limit equilibrium method, finite differences method, and exploratory factor analysis. First, the limit equilibrium method was used to identify potential sliding surfaces. Then, the finite differences method was employed to study deformation and failure features in a slope. Stability factors were calculated considering specific conditions such as rainfall, prestressing loss, and earthquakes using the strength reduction method. Finally, exploratory factor analysis was utilized to identify the triggering factors of each failure mode. The results revealed that failure modes were categorized into two types based on the positions of the sliding surface. The main triggering factors for Failure Mode 1 were rainfall and prestress loss, while for Failure Mode 2 they were earthquake loading and prestress loss. This study offers a comprehensive exploration of potential failure modes and their triggering factors from mechanical and statistical perspectives, enriching our understanding of potential failure modes in rock slopes.

Stochastic Rock Slope Stability Analysis: Open Pit Case Study with Adjacent Block Caving

In last decades, numerical modelling become a useful tool for solving complex geoengineering problems such as slope stability. On the other hand, probabilistic slope stability analyses are able to consider the variability of the rock mass properties in the decision making process. However, the application of probabilistic slope stability analysis with large three-dimensional numerical models is still limited due to the computational expenses of evaluating a substantial number of considered models. It is well-known that response surface methodology (RSM) couples the mathematical and statistical techniques to relate input variables to the response, allowing a reliable outcome and reasonable time of the analysis. Taking these advantages, this article presents an application of RSM in probabilistic slope stability analysis using three dimensional distinct element modelling. For this purpose, the most influencing factors including: uniaxial compressive strength, geological strength index (GSI), and shear strength of discontinuities, were taken into consideration to determine the probability of failure of an open pit slope located in vicinity of a block caving-induced subsidence crater. Numerical analysis of slope stability was conducted for an open pit slope using the Distinct Element Method code-3DEC. Probability distribution of the factor of safety (FS) was determined and possible slope failure mechanism was observed. In addition, the block caving-induced subsidence was investigated. The final outcomes indicate that Response Surface Methodology is applicable when couples with numerical modelling of complex issues, GSI is considered the most influential variable. The studied slope is considered stable due to the low value of the FS probability distribution (2.2%). This research is expected to provide a reference for slope stability analysis in case of transition from Open Pit to Underground Mining.

Hydrogeochemical evolution and isotopic characteristics of groundwater-surface water interaction processes within the Kawere catchment and its hydrogeotechnical implication on pit slope stability at the Nsuta mine, Ghana

In geo-hazard prone heterogenous mining terrain with multiple geological structures, surface water may interact with its underlying groundwater system conveying large quantities of water to deeper aquifers, which could undoubtedly lead to pit-inflows and slope stability challenges for any close-by mining operation. A total of forty-three (43) water samples were collected from the atmosphere, surface, subsurface and the pit-water during dry and wet seasons, respectively to identify pit-inflow origin using hydrogeochemical evolution paths and end member mixing analysis of the major ions at the only manganese mine in Nsuta, Ghana. The major ions order was Na2+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ for cations and anions' order was HCO3− > SO42− > Cl−. The identified hydrogeochemical facies and proportions are Ca–HCO3- (68.75%), Ca–Cl2 (18.75%) and mixed Ca–Mg–Cl (12.5%) in the dry season and mixed Ca–Na–HCO3 (54%) followed by Ca–HCO3 (46%) in the wet season. Na+ is the preeminent cation whilst HCO3− is the preeminent anion. Saturation Index (SI) of carbonate and evaporate minerals, particularly calcite, identified groundwater-surface water (GW-SW) exchange flux pathways in the study area, and thus establishing geochemical modeling as a robust tool for identifying GW-SW exchange flux pathways in riverine and aquifer systems. The isotopic composition of the various water samples is depleted having strong mixing relationship of R2 = 0.96%, suggesting the waters have same origin with low d-excess indicating rainfall under lower humidity. End member mixing analysis suggested GW-SW interaction with the surface water contributing an average of 87% to groundwater in the mine pit during the dry season. The generally low hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidence of the various water sources indicate homogeneity pointing to the existence of GW-SW interaction. The fast-movement of the exchange flux has widened flow path leading to pit slope stability issues and huge pit-inflows. Therefore, the mine managers, stakeholders, and decision makers are strongly advised to promptly integrate hydrogeotechnical assessments into their operations as a sustainable remedial measure. This will enable them to continuously reduce the potentiometric head of the groundwater system and ensure cost-efficient mining activities. It is essential to take these actions due to the mine's location within two river stream catchments.

Pit Slope Configuration for Open Pit Mining – A Case Study

To achieve stable pit wall slopes, it is imperative to obtain a fair knowledge of the rock mass characterisation before designing the pit. Insufficient knowledge of the competency of the country rock could lead to using unsupported slope configuration in the design process which can consequently lead to slope failure. In this study, the geomechnical properties of the Bremen-Nkosuo concession are analysed using Bieniawski’s classification scheme to determine the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) for defining safe pit slope configuration of the Nkosuo pit. The findings show that the rockmass are best described as ‘fair’ for the two main lithologies existing at the concession. Subsequently, localised adjustment factors are applied to the calculated RMR to arrive at Mining Rock Mass Ratings (MRMR). These MRMR values are correlated with 50 m fixed stack height and 1.2 safety factor to determine optimum Bench Slack Angle (BSA) of 54° and 57° for host sedimentary and granitic rocks respectively. For individual benches, optimum slope design configurations were 10 m, 800, and 6.6 m respectively for bench height, bench face angle and catch berm for metasedimentary rocks. Likewise, that for granitic formation were 10 m bench height, 800 face angle and 6.0 m catch berm width. These configurations are in conformance with mineral and mining regulations of Ghana. Slope stability assessment was performed which included Slope Mass Rating (SMR), Kinematic and Limit equilibrium analysis. From the analysis, multi-bench scale slope instability occurrence was found to be rare but single-double scale could be possible at the western wall of the planned pit with probability of failure of about 0.4. Presplit and trim shots perimeter blasting techniques are recommended to maintain the integrity of the final pit walls at certain areas.

Analysing Slope Stability in Response to Blast-Induced Dynamic Loading by Pseudo-Static Approach

Regular blasting in opencast coal mines generates significant ground vibrations, impacting mine slope stability and posing risks to life and property. This study focuses on monitoring ground vibrations in an opencast coal mine through near-field monitoring and investigating the impact of blast-induced seismic loading on slope stability. The approach involves a pseudostatic method utilising Strength Reduction Factor (SRF), based on Finite Element (FE) numerical modelling software. The study examines a pit slope with a tension crack under seismic loading, varying the intensity of seismic coefficients (Ks) from 0 to 0.5. These coefficients are determined through field vibration monitoring during production blasts. In numerical modelling, seismic loading is considered in both horizontal (outward of slope face) and vertically downward (in-line with gravity). Numerical modelling incorporates dimensionless horizontal seismic coefficient (Kh) and vertical seismic coefficient (Kv), and both directions which is expressed as Seismic Coefficient Ratio (SCR) which is the ratio of Kv and Kh for interpretation of results. Although SCR induces changes in the Factor of Safety (FoS), its impact is minimal compared to seismic loading solely in the horizontal direction. Consequently, increasing SCR leads to a decrease in FoS. The study observes that Peak Ground acceleration (PGA) in the longitudinal direction has greater dominance than in the transverse direction. Additionally, the seismic wave in the horizontal direction destabilises the slope more than the corresponding vertical seismic wave. These findings are elucidated in the context of the Critical Slip Surface (CSS).

Research on Road Geological Hazard Risk Assessment Model Based on Computational Deep Learning Algorithm Integrated With GIS

This paper studies the geological disaster emergency command and management system based on geographic information system. This system is for the province, city, county land resources and other aspects of the comprehensive application, the realization of real-time information display, meteorological early warning, group measurement and mass prevention, monitoring and early warning, major disaster management, prevention plan, quick report processing, emergency investigation, emergency disposal, emergency consultation and other functions. Through the GSM network, the monitoring data is sent to the monitoring center through the mobile phone, and then the monitoring center processes, stores, displays and alarms the monitoring data. Finally, B/S structure is used to build a remote Web data service publishing platform, so that it can carry out real-time monitoring at any place, and improve the speed, efficiency and intuition of high-speed slope disaster. It is proved that the method has the advantages of stable operation, accurate data, fast transmission speed and high monitoring accuracy through the practical application of a highway project foundation pit slope monitoring.

Deformation Patterns and Failure Mechanisms of Soft-Hard-Interbedded Anti-Inclined Layered Rock Slope in Wolong Open-Pit Coal Mine

Since the beginning of spring 2022, successive landslides have occurred in the eastern pit slope of the Wolong Coal Mine in Qipanjing Town, Otog Banner, Inner Mongolia, which has adversely affected the mine’s production safety. This study aims to reveal the deformation patterns and failure mechanisms of landslides. Firstly, this study establishes the stratigraphic structure of the eastern pit slope of the Wolong Coal Mine using extensive field geological surveys combined with unmanned aerial vehicle photography, drilling, and comprehensive physical exploration techniques. Indoor geotechnical tests and microscopic experiments reveal that rock mass typically exhibits the characteristics of expansibility and water sensitivity. Moreover, the mechanical parameters of the rock mass were determined using a combination of the window sampling method, the Geological Strength Index, and the Hoek–Brown strength criterion estimation theory. Finally, this study consolidates the previously mentioned insights and employs FLAC3D (7.0) software to assess the stress–strain characteristics of the excavated slope. The results indicate that the deformation mode of the Wolong open pit coal mine is the toppling failure of soft-hard-interbedded anti-inclined layered rock slopes. The unloading effect and rock expansion-induced softening lead to stress concentration at the slope corners and more substantial deformation, thereby accelerating upper slope deformation. The deformation and destabilization process of landslides is categorized into four stages: the initial deformation stage, the development stage of lateral shear misalignment, the development stage of horizontal tensile-shear damage, and the slip surface development to the preslip stage. This research offers valuable references and engineering insights for future scientific investigations and the prevention of similar slope-related geological hazards.

Influence of Structural Discontinuity on Slope Stability using Numerical Modelling and Sirovision

The rock mass consists of heterogeneous and anisotropic materials, with smaller and larger blocks of rock, and the presence of structural discontinuities is a significant concern. Characterising the rock mass is crucial for the success of engineering excavations in such areas. A detailed study of joints, their orientation, and discontinuities in the exposed rock mass is crucial as they greatly influence stability and fragmentation. Existing rock mass classifications like Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Q-classification require various geological parameters and physico-mechanical properties of the rock. However, determining these parameters conventionally can be time-consuming, requiring careful on-site measurements. The number of opencast coal mines is increasing compared to underground mines due to shorter gestation periods, higher productivity, and quicker returns. However, opencast mining raises environmental concerns such as air and water pollution, solid waste management, land degradation, and socio-economic issues. Additionally, many opencast coal mines, regardless of size, are reaching greater depths, making analysing bench slopes and ultimate pit slope design crucial. Slope failure in these mines leads to production loss, additional costs for recovery and handling of failed material, pit dewatering, sometimes mine abandonment or premature closure, and loss of life. A study was conducted at Prakash Khani Opencast Mine – IV, Manuguru area, M/s The Singereni Company Collieries Limited (SCCL), to investigate the influence of structural discontinuities on slope stability. SIROVISION software was used to assess rock mass characterisation, while PLAXIS-2D software was employed to analyse the influence of structural discontinuities on slope stability. A comparative conclusion was drawn based on the results obtained from SIROVISION and PLAXIS-2D analyses. The study revealed that the RMR of the mine ranged from very poor to fair due to numerous discontinuities. It was also found that discontinuities in the slope decrease the Factor of Safety (FOS), indicating an impact on slope stability.

Numerical Investigation into Factors Affecting Stability of Opencast Coal Mine's Rise Side Highwall Slope

Open-pit coal mining accounts for 93% of India's total coal production, playing a significant role in meeting the nation's substantial energy needs. The success of an open-pit mine hinges on maintaining the steepest and deepest slopes that remain stable over the mine's lifespan. However, slope failure is a complex issue influenced by numerous factors. In the context of openpit coal mines, the rise side highwall involves cutting through a rock mass containing various elements like an unconsolidated weathered mantle of sandstone, sandy clay, clay, carbonaceous shale and coal. Some opencast mines within the Godavari Valley Coal Field (GVCF), India have encountered significant pit slope failures. This paper uses a numerical modelling approach aimed at effectively assessing the stability of the rise side highwall, leveraging available geotechnical data from one of GVCF's largest opencast coal mines. The research investigates the impact of seven detrimental factors on slope stability, including dynamic loading due to blasting, employing a methodical One-Factor-At-A-Time (OFAT) approach. The study utilises Rocscience Phase2 version 9.0, a Finite Element Method (FEM) based numerical modelling software to gauge the sensitivity of each factor on the Factor of Safety (FoS). The numerical modelling results indicate that there is a linear decrease in FoS corresponding to the reduction in cohesion and an exponential increase in the FoS as the angle of internal friction rises. Furthermore, the analysis reveals significant impacts on the FoS due to groundwater and seismic loading from the blasting. This approach aims to comprehensively analyse and understand the intricacies of slope stability in the specific context of open-pit coal mining.

Evaluation of rock stability challenges affecting the formation of sustainable pit lake towards mine closure following crown pillar extraction in open pit-underground mines

The extraction of high-grade ore from the crown pillar (CP) in open pit-underground mines poses stability challenges and potential environmental risks. While an open pit has the potential to transition into a pit lake, the extraction of CP can induce failure in the surrounding walls, preventing the formation of the lake. There is also a concern that the backfilling material may not effectively confine toxic water within the pit, thereby risking contamination of the underground environment. To address these issues, a case study was conducted using FLAC3D and 3DEC models to evaluate the extent of failure caused by CP extraction. On-site observation, along with modelling, has revealed rock damage, including deformation stretching about 4 m from the pit wall and extending vertically from the pit floor to the ramp. The study identified three primary factors leading to pit wall failure or damage: steep pit slopes reaching approximately 70° near the pit floor, an underestimated CP thickness by about 4 m, and the concurrent extraction of ore from the pit wall alongside CP. Based on these findings, rehabilitation measures are suggested, including excavation of the deformed wall and cantilever, as well as partial pit backfilling. There is a substantial increase in the volume of backfill material as the extent of failure increases, which raise concerns about the decision-making process regarding CP extraction. Therefore, this article aims to raise environmental awareness and evaluate whether the benefits of ore extraction outweigh the considerations for pit wall support and the rehabilitation efforts during mine closure.

Assessing the geometry of defect waviness from borehole data

Within the large, open cut, iron ore mines of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, defect shear strengths often control the slope design where bedding dips shallowly to moderately out of the pit slope. The presence of metre to decametre scale open folding or waviness in these units can contribute to the friction angle of bedding shear strengths, potentially allowing for steeper slope angles and improved economics for the deposit. Traditionally, waviness affecting defect shear strength is assessed from surface mapping, bench mapping or qualitatively from observations in core. Surface mapping of bedrock is often not possible due to detrital cover or a lack of suitable outcrop, while bench mapping is inherently conducted perpendicular to the direction of sliding risk. The use of downhole data from boreholes drilled into the slopes circumvents these issues. The method presented here involves assessing characteristic downhole wavelength, inter-limb angle and amplitude of folding from defect orientation data interpreted from borehole televiewer imaging. The downhole wavelength and defect orientations are transformed to a true down-dip wavelength, dilation angle, and estimated amplitude in the direction of sliding risk. The calculation of down-dip wavelength is critical for assessing the applicability of the associated dilation angle to the scale of the slope and failure mechanism in question. The adoption of defect shear strengths that include a waviness contribution to the friction angle allows for implementation of steeper slope angles in structurally controlled slopes.

Analisis Stabilitas Lereng Tambang Nikel Kabupaten Morowali

Central Sulawesi Province is a province that has quite high mining activities, so an evaluation of the stability of open pit slope excavations needs to be carried out to prevent collapses during the exploration process which could result in loss of life. Analysis using the finite element method is one method that can be used to analyze slope deformation and stability during the excavation process. This research simulates excavation of a mine slope in 4 stages with a height of 5 m and a slope of 500. The analysis was carried out based on the results of the N-SPT test at three locations (GT-15617, GT-19125 and GT-19841) which are the slopes with the most extreme slopes. The analysis results show that at GT-15617 the maximum deformation occurred at stage 4 of the excavation at 0.18 m with a safety factor of 1.43, the maximum deformation at the GT-19125 location occurred at stage 4 at 0.21 m with a safety factor of 1.26 and at location GT-19841 maximum deformation occurred at stage 4 of 0.21 with a safety factor of 1.21. The overall safety factor analysis results do not meet the required minimum safety factor criteria.

Evaluation of buoyant action of groundwater and surface water interaction on pit slope stability using hydrogeological-stratigraphic-structural assessment within the Kawere catchment of the Nsuta mine

ABSTRACT In open-pit mining operations where activities are conducted below water table or close to surface water bodies, the mine is potentially faced with dewatering and slope stability challenges. Appropriate evaluation of slope stability to obtain adequate slope safety factor has continuously been the centre of geotechnical research locally and internationally. This paper evaluates the influence of buoyant action propagated by groundwater and surface (GW-SW) interaction on pit slope designed in multi-layered fractured rock with complex hydrology using Hydrogeological-Stratigraphic-Structural Assessment (HSSA) at the Nsuta Manganese Mine in Ghana. LEM analyses of the Pit C-western slope estimated an overall factor of safety (FOS) of 1.1, probabilities of failure (POF) of 7.5% and the reliability index (RI) of 1.4 in the slope stress field. However, when the groundwater was introduced, the slope FOS was reduced to 0.13, POF of 100.0% and (RI) of 0.00 indicating failure. FEM numerical model points to the location of maximum shear strain and total displacement in the argillite zone within the rock mass. The FEM seepage analysis model estimated groundwater pore pressure data along the critical slide surfaces from the crest of the slope to the bottom of the rock slope ranging between 250 kPa and 4250 kPa with an average pore pressure of 2250 kPa within the pit slope. This proposed HSSA approach used in the study provides innovative insights into the percentage failure contribution of the individual lithologies to the overall combined lithological susceptibility of the slope under stress and groundwater failure mechanisms, pointing out Ru ratio in pit slope stability estimation as inadequate.

Experimental study of soil erosion on moraine-consolidated slopes under heavy rainfall

Surface subsidence pits formed by mining disturbance are highly susceptible to slope instability under rainfall erosion, inducing underground debris flow disasters. To prevent and control underground debris flow disasters in a subsidence area, a test model of subsidence pit slope was established in accordance with the principle of similar simulation, and the erosion-resistant performance of moraine-cured slopes with different soil–slurry ratios and the law of runoff and sand production were investigated through the simulation of artificial rainfall and a simulation test of grouting. Results show that the initial rainfall production time increases exponentially with increasing soil-slurry ratio, while sediment production intensity decreases linearly with increasing rainfall duration. The evolution of soil erosion can be divided into five stages: impact infiltration, water-filled softening, stripping cutting, migration crossing, and steady flow equilibrium. Compared with in situ moraine, moraine particles after grouting between the generation of large amounts of Si–O–Si and Si–OH hydration products become loose and porous soil medium is transformed into a dense cemented structure. The soil-slurry ratio is 5:1, the sand-fixing effect increases by 28.8 times, the resistance of permeability increases by 11.3 times, and the grouting curing effect is remarkable. This study can provide technical support for the prevention and control of geological disasters in subsidence pits.

An evaluation method of open-pit slope stability based on Poset theory

To achieve an objective and reasonable judgment on slope stability, the partially ordered set (Poset) theory is applied to the slope stability evaluation against the engineering background of an open pit slope. From the four aspects of rock mass structural characteristics, slope morphology, environment conditions and engineering conditions, 24 typical evaluation indices such as cohesion, internal friction angle, elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio are selected. Based on the Poset theory, a Poset evaluation model is established. According to the slope stability evaluation indices and the risk grade classification criteria, the slope stability risk grade is divided into four grades: stable (Grade I), generally stable (Grade II), slightly stable (Grade III) and unstable (Grade IV). The index data are normalized and the weight ranking information is used. Implicit weighting is carried out by means of accumulation. The comparison relation matrix, the Hasse matrix and the Hasse diagram are constructed for each factor layer and comprehensive index layer, respectively. This method was utilized to evaluate the risk grade of an engineering example, determine the slope risk grade, and compare with the actual situation. The results show that the slope to be evaluated is generally stable (Grade II) under the comprehensive evaluation indices of various factors, and the assessed stability condition is consistent with the actual situation. These verify the rationality and applicability of the proposed method and provide a new insight for accurately identifying the stability condition of open-pit slopes.

Stability analysis of pit slopes in Zapadno-Ozerny quarry to ensure mine safety

The article discusses the design parameters of open pit slopes and the approach to calculating the stability of open pit slopes. The main deformations of slopes of open pits are considered. An assessment of the influence of the stress-strain state of quarry slopes on their stability is made. On the example of an open pit at the Zapadno-Ozernoye field, the assessment of stability under the actual stress-strain state of the site was performed. Recommendations to determine the new boundaries of the open pit, in which the section of the South Eastern slope of the open pit will be stable are given.