Geotechnical applications in open pit mining

Detailed geotechnical data is often a major unknown factor in open pit design and mining, the lack of which constitutes a significant risk in any mining venture. As geotechnical data is accumulated so the risk of unforeseen conditions reduces, and so safety and productivity can be increased. Previously, most geotechnical work undertaken at open pit mines has focused on the slopes. The work done at Sandsloot open pit situated on the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex, 250 km north east of Johannesburg, however, has involved using geotechnical data for production, as well as slope stability benefits. Solutions to production problems encountered in a rapidly developing open pit are best formulated once some geotechnical control at the pit has been attained. At Sandsloot open pit this was achieved by delineation of geotechnical design zones from a detailed face mapping and drilling programme. Optimum design parameters then were assigned to these zones and geotechnically related problems assessed. This allowed slope management programmes to be initiated, as well as slope optimization of the hangingwall. The latter resulted in an improved slope configuration and an increase in the ultimate angle of the wall by 7°. This resulted in substantial savings, as well as an improvement in safety. In addition, the zones can be used for planning, costing and pit scheduling. The methods have proved successful in optimizing blast fragmentation and thereby loading, crushing and milling rates; in reducing secondary blasting and improving floor conditions; and in reducing drilling, blasting and comminution costs.     

A Methodology for the Definition of Geotechnical Mine Sectors Based on Multivariate Cluster Analysis

This paper offers a new method for the definition of geotechnical sectors in open pit mines based on multivariate cluster analysis. A geological-geotechnical data set of a manganese open pit mine was used to demonstrate the methodology. The data set consists of a survey of geological and geotechnical parameters of the rock mass, measured directly in several points of the mine, structured initially in twenty-eight variables. After the preprocessing of the data set, the clustering technique was applied using the k-Prototype algorithm. The squared Euclidean distance was used to quantify the proximity between numerical variables, and the Jaccard's coefficient of similarity was used to quantify the proximity between the nominal variables. The different cluster results obtained were validated by the multivariate analysis of variance. The identification of cluster structures was achieved by plotting them on the mine map for spatial visualization and definition of geotechnical sectors. These sectors are spatially contiguous and relatively homogeneous regarding their geological–geotechnical properties, indicated by a high density of points of the same group. It was possible to observe a great adherence of the proposed sectors to the mine geology, demonstrating the practical representativeness of the clustering results and the proposed sectors.

     

Numerical Analysis of Block Caving-Induced Instability in Large Open Pit Slopes: A Finite Element/Discrete Element Approach

This paper addresses one of the most challenging problems in mining rock engineering—the interaction between block cave mining and a large overlying open pit. The finite element modeling/discrete element modeling (FEM/DEM) approach was utilized in the analysis of block caving-induced step-path failure development in a large open pit slope. The analysis indicated that there is a threshold percentage of critical intact rock bridges along a step-path failure plane that may ensure the stability of an open pit throughout caving operations. Transition from open pit to underground mining at Palabora mine presents an important example of a pit wall instability triggered by caving. Using combined FEM/DEM-DFN (discrete fracture network) modeling, it was possible to investigate the formation of a basal failure surface within an open pit slope as a direct result of cave mining. The modeling of Palabora highlighted the importance of rock mass tensile strength and its influence on caving-induced slope response.     

高陡边坡岩体结构信息无人机识别与离散元数值模拟

岩体结构特征的准确表征对边坡稳定性评价具有重要影响。由于高陡边坡岩体结构的人工编录工作开展困难,结构几何信息往往获取不全面,导致边坡数值模型构建往往不理想。以江西德兴银山铜矿露天边坡为工程背景,采用无人机与运动恢复结构法(SfM)获取边坡岩体点云模型。基于点云数据建立结构面识别和解译算法,自动获取结构面产状、迹长、间距等几何信息。对比人工测量结果,无人机测量与结构面识别能够获取更符合实际的坡面与岩体结构模型。采用非均匀有理B样条(NURBS)曲面重构和“Rhino-Griddle-3DEC”联合建模方法,结合岩体结构统计模型构建离散裂隙网络DFN能够快速建立三维离散元数值模型,从而获得更好的数值模拟计算结果,满足岩质高边坡稳定性评价的需要。     

地下与露天复合采动影响下边坡岩体稳定性评价方法的研究

矿产资源的开采, 有些是按地下与露天复合开采方式进行。依据采区的空间对应关系, 两种采动影响域中的一部分相互重叠, 导致采动效应相互作用和相互叠加, 从而组成一个复合动态系统, 因此边坡岩体变形机理更加复杂, 与单一露天开采相比有较大的差异;然而, 过去在处理此类问题时近似地应用单一露天采动影响下的分析方法, 结果与实际情况存在一定差异;本文在理论分析的基础上, 推导出边坡稳定性的评价方法, 为此类矿山后续采矿设计及安全生产提供科学依据。     

Probabilistic Methods Applied to Unsaturated Numerical Modeling

The numerical modeling of unsaturated soil processes is becoming more prevalent worldwide. Although numerical modeling is becoming increasingly accepted in geotechnical engineering practice, care must be exercised and improper modeling techniques and procedures must be avoided. Many issues such as nodal resolution and imperfect convergence can result in inaccurate solutions. Unfortunately, analyses of highly nonlinear unsaturated soil flow and slope stability models can significantly increase the modeling time required. As a result, there is a trend to reduce the number of model runs. Results are often presented to client as single model runs or simplistic sensitivity analysis. This paper presents methodologies for applying probabilistic methods to unsaturated soils seepage and slope stability analysis models. The focus is on the application of the alternative point estimate method to practical problems in such a way as to minimize the number of model runs. The demonstration of a successful application to a waste rock pile is presented.     

矿山边坡稳定性研究的回顾与展望

本文阐述了露天矿边坡工程的特点, 回顾了露天矿边坡稳定性研究及其取得的理论成果和进展, 指出露天矿边坡稳定性研究的特点, 提出相应的研究技术路线与方法。     

Geographical information system-based computational implementation and application of spatial three-dimensional slope stability analysis

Three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of slope stability is a widely addressed problem in the domain of geotechnical engineering. The growing popularity of the geographical information system (GIS) approach, with capacities ranging from conventional data storage to complex spatial analysis and graphical presentation, means that it is also becoming a powerful tool for geotechnical engineers. In this study, in which we combine GIS grid-based data with four proposed column-based models of 3D slope stability analysis, we have devised new correspondent GIS grid-based 3D deterministic models to calculate the safety factor of the slope. Based on the four GIS-based 3D slope stability analysis models, a GIS-based program, 3DSlopeGIS, has been developed to implement the algorithm where all the input data are in the same format as the GIS dataset. The 3DSlopeGIS system, which is an extension of the widely used GIS software package, represents the combined development of 3D slope stability analysis and GIS-based component object model (COM) skills. Since all related data are supplied in the GIS format, this new database approach will be convenient for the repeated renewal and consulting of data. Certain widely addressed examples are evaluated in this paper and the results show the correction and potential of this GIS-based tool as a means of assessing the 3D stability of a slope. Two practical slope problems have been evaluated using the 3DSlopeGIS system. The results illustrate the convenience of data management as well as the effective range selection of Monte-Carlo random variables and the critical slip surface location in some parts of a lava dome.     

Midas／GTS软件在边坡三维稳定分析中的应用

Midas／GTS岩土数值模拟软件具有简洁的界面、前后处理功能强大的岩土材料模型库,能满足大部分岩土体的破坏模式。建立工程边坡的三维数值模型,并对其计算分析．结果接近真实情况,且计算结果相对安全。本文采用该软件与有限元强度折减法相结合模式,对三维边坡实例的各种工况进行数值模拟,得到边坡的最大剪应变、最大剪应力出现的部位和数值大小以及边坡整体安全系数,由此确定边坡的薄弱带和潜在滑面,能客观反映边坡稳定性。     

复杂地质背景下露天采场边坡失稳地质灾害预测及其防治对策

露天采矿场边坡失稳作为露天开采矿山常见的一种地质灾害,对采矿工人的人身安全和矿山开采设施及财产造成了极大危害。本文通过对大宝山露天采场边坡相关影响因素的研究,从影响采场稳定性的地质因素、采空区综合分析,辅以赤平极射投影的方法,探讨了在复杂地质背景下露天采场边坡失稳地质灾害的预测及其综合治理对策。     

矿山复合开采岩体移动理论与安全评价方法

文中分析了复合采动影响下边坡岩体的移动特点 ,研究两种开挖效应的相互作用机理和边坡岩体破坏机制。在此基础上 ,应用随机介质理论 ,推导出地下开挖在边坡岩体内所产生的形变力 ,并依据边坡岩体稳定性计算理论 ,最终推导复合叠加采动影响下边坡稳定性计算方法。同时应用随机介质理论 ,推导出复合采动影响下地面变形的预测模型和特殊地质条件下变形的预测方法。结合实例对变形参数的计算方法等内容进行了分析和研究 ,并对后续开采将产生的变形值进行预测。     

Stability analysis of an open cut slope in Wardha valley coal field

Open cast mines are the prime source of coal production in India. Due to an increase in coal demand, deeper surface mines are being planned to ensure better productivity with enhanced safety of these mines. The safe working environment and continuous production of the coal calls for the safe and stable design of cut slopes. The stability analysis of this slope requires in depth geotechnical investigation which are aided by result orientated stability assessment using empirical methods and numerical simulation. In the present study, a slope was examined to understand the mechanism and comparisons were made with field observations. The investigation has involved a 32m high cut slope from an open cast mine in Wardha valley coal field which has been analyzed using a two dimensional numerical simulation. The bench slope consisted of a low strength sandstones, shales and clay sequence. Hoek-Brown strength parameters established and used as input parameters in the model. The results indicate that the slope is critically stable and may lead to failure without warning and needs proper attention.     

露天煤矿边坡稳定性实例分析及优化设计

结合内蒙古某露天煤矿的边坡实例,综合运用现有的工程地质资料、理论分析以及计算等手段,对该露天矿边坡工程地质条件、稳定性进行了分析和评价,提出了优化设计方案和滑坡治理建议。最后,从技术和工程方面提出了露天矿边坡稳定性的防治措施。     

Classification of slopes and prediction of factor of safety using differential evolution neural networks

Slope stability analysis is one of the most important problems in geotechnical engineering. The development in slope stability analysis has followed the development in computational geotechnical engineering. This paper discusses the application of different recently developed artificial neural network models to slope stability analysis based on the actual slope failure database available in the literature. Different ANN models are developed to classify the slope as stable or unstable (failed) and to predict the factor of safety. The developed ANN model is found to be efficient compared with other methods like support vector machine and genetic programming available in literature. Prediction models are presented based on the developed ANN model parameters. Different sensitivity analyses are made to identify the important input parameters.     

基于PSO-MLSSVR的土体参数反演方法在深基坑工程中的应用

为了确保基坑工程安全,常常会采用数值模拟的方法预测支护结构的位移,其中岩土体力学参数的选取对于结果的影响最大.本文使用了一种粒子群(PSO)算法结合多输出最小二乘支持向量回归机(MLSSVR)的基坑土体参数位移反分析法,以深圳某深基坑的支护桩顶水平位移监测数据为依据,基于正交设计生成具有代表性的土体参数组合,通过有限元...     

井工开采对露天矿高边坡稳定性影响的研究

以山西平朔安太堡矿露井联合开采为例,通过数值模拟及现场位移监测资料对比分析,探讨了露天矿高边坡在顺坡、逆坡及侧向切坡开采3种情况下的复合应力场和位移场的分布特征及规律。研究表明,边坡内井工开采不利于边坡稳定性,但由于工作面推进方向不同,边坡受采动影响部位的顺序不同,因而对边坡稳定性的影响存在一定的差异。逆坡开采时,随着工作面向坡内推进,边坡前、后期表现出两种完全不同类型的变形位移,前期以倾倒型崩塌破坏为主,后期稳定性有所增强;顺坡开采时,边坡保安煤柱宽度不断减小,在侧向偏压作用下,边坡将产生沿软弱结构面的推动式剪切滑动;边坡下切坡开采时,边坡除发生沿软弱结构面的推动式剪切滑动外,还可能发生后缘沿采空裂隙、下部沿软弱层面的张拉滑动变形。     

Stability analysis of a recurring soil slope failure along NH-5, Himachal Himalaya,India

The repetitive soil slope failure along the National Highway (NH)-5 in Jhakri region of Himachal Pradesh, India draws frequent concern due to heavy damage and traffic disruption almost every year. Being only linking route from border district to the nearby land area, stability of the road-cut slopes along this highway is of major concern in regard to safe transportation. Absence of any previous stability investigation of this recurring slope failure calls for an integrated geotechnical and numerical approach in order to understand the instability factors. The geotechnical analysis has been performed to determine the inherent properties of soil materials which affect the stability of existing slope. An event-specific antecedent rainfall threshold has been suggested to quantify the relationship between rainfall and slope failure. A two-dimensional limit equilibrium method has also been executed to visualize the scenario of pre- and post-failure stability of the slope. On the basis of limit equilibrium analysis, it has been inferred that slope geometry is a major affecting parameter that influences the failure pattern. Moreover, preventive measures through benching and soil nailing have also been proposed and validated through limit equilibrium analysis for long-term stability and safe transportation.     

Effect of Underground Mine Blast Vibrations on Overlaying Open Pit Slopes: A Case Study for Daye Iron Mine in China

Investigating the propagation and attenuation of blast vibration in rock slopes is the key point to assess the influence of underground mine blasting on overlaying open pit slopes stability and determining the potential risk. In this paper, Daye Iron Mine in China has been chosen as the case to study the effect of blast vibrations on overlaying open pit slopes due to underground mine blast. Firstly, the characteristics of blast loadings are analyzed by the dynamic finite element method. Then, a three dimensional (3D) numerical model of the open pit and the underground mine is made, which is verified by the field monitoring data to prove its reliability. The effect of blast vibration on overlaying open pit slope due to underground mine blasting are discussed based on the peak particle velocity (PPV) and the peak effective tensile stress (PETS) distribution characteristics which are calculated and analyzed by inputting the obtained blast vibration data into the numerical model. The results show that the effect of present mining blasting on the stability of pit slopes are limited because the simulated maximum PPV and PETS of monitoring point on slopes are all < 0.747 cm/s and 0.738 MPa. At last, according to numerical simulations of the underground mine blasting, the PPV predicting formulas for the slopes in Daye Open Pit Iron Mine is proposed based on the classic Sadaovsk formula.     

洪早期库岸边坡稳定性的数值分析

在库岸边坡稳定性分析中,按传统的滑坡稳这定性计算方法搜索滑面,本身就是一项繁琐的工作,库水位变动的影响使问题变得更加复杂。数值分析方法在这方面就体现出其优越性。本文采用专业岩土工程软件FLAC^3D计算软件,在枯水期和洪水期对杨家坝滑坡进行了分析,研究了两个时期滑坡的变形与受力状态,判定了滑坡的稳定性。结果表明,利用数值方法分析库岸边坡稳定性的方法是值得借鉴的。