Monitoring and Assessing Method for Blasting Vibration on Open-pit Slope in Hainan Iron Mine

A type of velocity sensor CD 1, an auto recording instrument on blasting vibration YBJ 1 and a random signal and vibration analysis system (CRAS) were used to monitor the particle vibration induced by blasting at open pit slope in Hainan Iron Mine. The attenuating rules of blasting ground vibration on slope were developed. By means of the analysis and calculation of the blasting vibration data at open pit slope and the vertical particle vibration velocity assessment method based on the concept of vibration strength, the empirical attenuating equations which can be used for predicting and estimating the damage of slope were derived.

Determination and stability analysis of ultimate open-pit slope under geomechanical uncertainty

In open-pit mines,pit slope as one of the important parameters affects the mine economy and total minable reserve,and it is also affected by different uncertainties which arising from many sources.One of the most critical sources of uncertainty effects on the pit slope design is rock mass geomechanical properties.By comparing the probability of failure resulted from deterministic procedure and probabilistic one,this paper investigated the effects of aforesaid uncertainties on open-pit slope stability in metal mines.In this way,to reduce the effect of variance,it implemented Latin Hypercube Sampling(LHS)technique.Furthermore,a hypothesis test was exerted to compare the effects on two cases in Middle East.Subsequently,the investigation approved high influence of geomechanical uncertainties on overall pit steepness and stability in both iron and copper mines,though on the first case the effects were just over.

The Influence of Earthquakes on Open-Pit Slope Stability

Estimation of stability of natural slopes, embankments, dams and open-pit slopes during earthquakes are complex and non-linear problems, therefore physical modeling is used for decision of it. As a result of physical modeling the pattern of seismic vibrations impact based on the movement process of probable collapse prism delineated by the most stressed plane of sliding has been established. Particular recommendations on the basis of safety factors selection in seismoactive zones are given.

Rock engineering property of the high-steep open-pit slope and its stability

According to the rock engineering property and stability of high-steep open-pitslopes, various factors were collected on the basis of rock engineering system (RSE) theory,and the interaction matrix of stability evaluation was established.Then, the stabilityevaluation index (S_p) of the slope was put forward.Ranges of the S_p value and the correspondingstable state were given on the basis of thirty-six samples.It is found that the followingrelationships exist: unstable (easy landslide): S_p<-0.20; mid-stable (may be landslide):-0.20<S_p<0.63; stable (no landslide): S_p>0.63.Finally, the stability evaluation indexwas applied on the high-steep open-pit slope of one mine.Analysis results and monitoringdata indicate that the index meets the necessity of the property of slope engineering, and ithas an important engineering purpose for landslide forecasting of high-steep slopes.

Design and Construction of Automatic Monitoring System for Open-pit Coal Mine Slopes

[Objectives]To monitor the stability of open-pit coal mine slopes in real time and ensure the safety of coal mine production.[Methods]The automatic monitoring system of coal mine slope was explored in depth,and the core functions of the system were designed comprehensively.According to the design function of the automatic monitoring system,the slope automatic monitoring system was constructed.Besides,in accordance with the actual situation of the slope,the monitoring frequency of slopes was set scientifically,and the key indicators such as rainfall,deep displacement and surface displacement of the slopes were monitored in an all-round and multi-angle way.[Results]During the monitoring period,the overall condition of the slope remained good,and no landslides or other geological disasters occurred.At the same time,the overall rainfall in the slope area remained low.In terms of monitoring data,the horizontal displacement and settlement of the slopes increased first and then tended to be stable.Specifically,the maximum horizontal displacement during the monitoring period was 22.74 mm,while the maximum settlement was 18.65 mm.[Conclusions]The automatic slope monitoring system has obtained remarkable achievements in practical application.It not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of slope stability monitoring,but also provides valuable reference experience for similar projects.

Stability analysis of a slope containing water-sensitive mudstone considering different rainfall conditions at an open-pit mine

Mudstone, as a typical soft rock with wide distribution, has been endangering the slopes containing mudstone by its watersensitivity of swelling and weakening strength when encountering water. To comprehensively understand the water-sensitivity of mudstone and reveal its infuence on slope stability, we took the working slope containing water-sensitive mudstone of Shengli No.1 open-pit coal mine in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China, as an example. Mudstone samples taken from the working slope were remodeled and saturated, and then triaxial tested to obtain the efective cohesion and efective internal friction angle. The flter paper method was used to obtain the soil–water characteristic curve of unsaturated mudstone. The pore structure of mudstone samples with diferent water contents were analyzed using the mercury intrusion porosimetry tests combined with the fractal dimension. The total pore content of the mudstone sample with lower water content is greater than that of the mudstone sample with higher water content. The mesopores are more in the mudstone sample with lower water content, while the small pores are more in the mudstone sample with higher water content. The variation of water content will change the complexity of mudstone pore structure. The higher the water content, the simpler the mudstone pore structure and the smoother the pore surface. Numerical calculations were conducted on the stability of the working slope under diferent rainfall conditions. The efective saturation on the mudstone layer surface changed and the plastic strain all occurred on the mudstone steps under diferent rainfall conditions. The key to preventing landslide of the slope containing water-sensitive mudstone in Shengli No.1 open-pit coal mine is to control the deformation and sliding of the mudstone layer.

Effect of slope angle on fractured rock masses under combined influence of variable rainfall infiltration and excavation unloading

Intense precipitation infiltration and intricate excavation processes are crucial factors that impact the stability and security of towering and steep rock slopes within mining sites.The primary aim of this research was to investigate the progression of cumulative failure within a cracked rock formation,considering the combined effects of precipitation and excavation activities.The study was conducted in the Huangniuqian eastern mining area of the Dexing Copper Mine in Jiangxi Province,China.An engineering geological investigation was conducted,a physical model experiment was performed,numerical calculations and theoretical analysis were conducted using the matrix discrete element method(Mat-DEM),and the deformation characteristics and the effect of the slope angle of a fractured rock mass under different scenarios were examined.The failure and instability mechanisms of the fractured rock mass under three slope angle models were analyzed.The experimental results indicate that as the slope angle increases,the combined effect of rainfall infiltration and excavation unloading is reduced.A novel approach to simulating unsaturated seepage in a rock mass,based on the van Genuchten model(VGM),has been developed.Compared to the vertical displacement observed in a similar physical experiment,the average relative errors associated with the slope angles of 45,50,and 55were 2.094%,1.916%,and 2.328%,respectively.Accordingly,the combined effect of rainfall and excavation was determined using the proposed method.Moreover,the accuracy of the numerical simulation was validated.The findings contribute to the seepage field in a meaningful way,offering insight that can inform and enhance existing methods and theories for research on the underlying mechanism of ultra-high and steep rock slope instability,which can inform the development of more effective risk management strategies.

A method to interpret fracture aperture of rock slope using adaptive shape and unmanned aerial vehicle multi-angle nap-of-the-object photogrammetry

The aperture of natural rock fractures significantly affects the deformation and strength properties of rock masses,as well as the hydrodynamic properties of fractured rock masses.The conventional measurement methods are inadequate for collecting data on high-steep rock slopes in complex mountainous regions.This study establishes a high-resolution three-dimensional model of a rock slope using unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)multi-angle nap-of-the-object photogrammetry to obtain edge feature points of fractures.Fracture opening morphology is characterized using coordinate projection and transformation.Fracture central axis is determined using vertical measuring lines,allowing for the interpretation of aperture of adaptive fracture shape.The feasibility and reliability of the new method are verified at a construction site of a railway in southeast Tibet,China.The study shows that the fracture aperture has a significant interval effect and size effect.The optimal sampling length for fractures is approximately 0.5e1 m,and the optimal aperture interpretation results can be achieved when the measuring line spacing is 1%of the sampling length.Tensile fractures in the study area generally have larger apertures than shear fractures,and their tendency to increase with slope height is also greater than that of shear fractures.The aperture of tensile fractures is generally positively correlated with their trace length,while the correlation between the aperture of shear fractures and their trace length appears to be weak.Fractures of different orientations exhibit certain differences in their distribution of aperture,but generally follow the forms of normal,log-normal,and gamma distributions.This study provides essential data support for rock and slope stability evaluation,which is of significant practical importance.

Investigation of the block toppling evolution of a layered model slope by centrifuge test and discrete element modeling

Primary toppling usually occurs in layered rock slopes with large anti-dip angles.In this paper,the block toppling evolution was explored using a large-scale centrifuge system.Each block column in the layered model slope was made of cement mortar.Some artificial cracks perpendicular to the block column were prefabricated.Strain gages,displacement gages,and high-speed camera measurements were employed to monitor the deformation and failure processes of the model slope.The centrifuge test results show that the block toppling evolution can be divided into seven stages,i.e.layer compression,formation of major tensile crack,reverse bending of the block column,closure of major tensile crack,strong bending of the block column,formation of failure zone,and complete failure.Block toppling is characterized by sudden large deformation and occurs in stages.The wedge-shaped cracks in the model incline towards the slope.Experimental observations show that block toppling is mainly caused by bending failure rather than by shear failure.The tensile strength also plays a key factor in the evolution of block toppling.The simulation results from discrete element method(DEM)is in line with the testing results.Tensile stress exists at the backside of rock column during toppling deformation.Stress concentration results in the fragmented rock column and its degree is the most significant at the slope toe.

Dynamic response and failure process of horizontal-layered fractured structure rock slope under strong earthquake

Rock slope with horizontal-layered fractured structure(HLFS)has high stability in its natural state.However,a strong earthquake can induce rock fissure expansion,ultimately leading to slope failure.In this study,the dynamic response,failure mode,and spectral characteristics of rock slope with HLFS under strong earthquake conditions were investigated based on the large-scale shaking table model test.On this basis,multiple sets of numerical calculation models were further established by UDEC discrete element program.Five influencing factors were considered in the parametric study of numerical simulations,including slope height,slope angle,bedding-plane spacing and secondary joint spacing as well as bedrock dip angle.The results showed that the failure process of rock slope with HLFS under earthquake action is mainly divided into four phases,i.e.,the tensile crack of the slope shoulder joints and shear dislocation at the top bedding plane,the extension of vertical joint cracks and increase of shear displacement,the formation of step-through sliding surfaces and the instability,and finally collapse of fractured rock mass.The acceleration response of slopes exhibits elevation amplification effect and surface effect.Numerical simulations indicate that the seismic stability of slopes with HLFS exhibits a negative correlation with slope height and angle,but a positive correlation with bedding-plane spacing,joint spacing,and bedrock dip angle.The results of this study can provide a reference for seismic stability evaluation of weathered rock slopes.

Evaluation of slope stability through rock mass classification and kinematic analysis of some major slopes along NH-1A from Ramban to Banihal, North Western Himalayas

The network of Himalayan roadways and highways connects some remote regions of valleys or hill slopes,which is vital for India’s socio-economic growth.Due to natural and artificial factors,frequency of slope instabilities along the networks has been increasing over last few decades.Assessment of stability of natural and artificial slopes due to construction of these connecting road networks is significant in safely executing these roads throughout the year.Several rock mass classification methods are generally used to assess the strength and deformability of rock mass.This study assesses slope stability along the NH-1A of Ramban district of North Western Himalayas.Various structurally and non-structurally controlled rock mass classification systems have been applied to assess the stability conditions of 14 slopes.For evaluating the stability of these slopes,kinematic analysis was performed along with geological strength index(GSI),rock mass rating(RMR),continuous slope mass rating(CoSMR),slope mass rating(SMR),and Q-slope in the present study.The SMR gives three slopes as completely unstable while CoSMR suggests four slopes as completely unstable.The stability of all slopes was also analyzed using a design chart under dynamic and static conditions by slope stability rating(SSR)for the factor of safety(FoS)of 1.2 and 1 respectively.Q-slope with probability of failure(PoF)1%gives two slopes as stable slopes.Stable slope angle has been determined based on the Q-slope safe angle equation and SSR design chart based on the FoS.The value ranges given by different empirical classifications were RMR(37-74),GSI(27.3-58.5),SMR(11-59),and CoSMR(3.39-74.56).Good relationship was found among RMR&SSR and RMR&GSI with correlation coefficient(R 2)value of 0.815 and 0.6866,respectively.Lastly,a comparative stability of all these slopes based on the above classification has been performed to identify the most critical slope along this road.

Efficient slope reliability and sensitivity analysis using quantile-based first-order second-moment method

This paper introduces a novel approach for parameter sensitivity evaluation and efficient slope reliability analysis based on quantile-based first-order second-moment method(QFOSM).The core principles of the QFOSM are elucidated geometrically from the perspective of expanding ellipsoids.Based on this geometric interpretation,the QFOSM is further extended to estimate sensitivity indices and assess the significance of various uncertain parameters involved in the slope system.The proposed method has the advantage of computational simplicity,akin to the conventional first-order second-moment method(FOSM),while providing estimation accuracy close to that of the first-order reliability method(FORM).Its performance is demonstrated with a numerical example and three slope examples.The results show that the proposed method can efficiently estimate the slope reliability and simultaneously evaluate the sensitivity of the uncertain parameters.The proposed method does not involve complex optimization or iteration required by the FORM.It can provide a valuable complement to the existing approximate reliability analysis methods,offering rapid sensitivity evaluation and slope reliability analysis.

Reliability analysis of slope stability by neural network,principal component analysis,and transfer learning techniques

The prediction of slope stability is considered as one of the critical concerns in geotechnical engineering.Conventional stochastic analysis with spatially variable slopes is time-consuming and highly computation-demanding.To assess the slope stability problems with a more desirable computational effort,many machine learning(ML)algorithms have been proposed.However,most ML-based techniques require that the training data must be in the same feature space and have the same distribution,and the model may need to be rebuilt when the spatial distribution changes.This paper presents a new ML-based algorithm,which combines the principal component analysis(PCA)-based neural network(NN)and transfer learning(TL)techniques(i.e.PCAeNNeTL)to conduct the stability analysis of slopes with different spatial distributions.The Monte Carlo coupled with finite element simulation is first conducted for data acquisition considering the spatial variability of cohesive strength or friction angle of soils from eight slopes with the same geometry.The PCA method is incorporated into the neural network algorithm(i.e.PCA-NN)to increase the computational efficiency by reducing the input variables.It is found that the PCA-NN algorithm performs well in improving the prediction of slope stability for a given slope in terms of the computational accuracy and computational effort when compared with the other two algorithms(i.e.NN and decision trees,DT).Furthermore,the PCAeNNeTL algorithm shows great potential in assessing the stability of slope even with fewer training data.

Comprehensive analysis of multiple machine learning techniques for rock slope failure prediction

In this study,twelve machine learning(ML)techniques are used to accurately estimate the safety factor of rock slopes(SFRS).The dataset used for developing these models consists of 344 rock slopes from various open-pit mines around Iran,evenly distributed between the training(80%)and testing(20%)datasets.The models are evaluated for accuracy using Janbu's limit equilibrium method(LEM)and commercial tool GeoStudio methods.Statistical assessment metrics show that the random forest model is the most accurate in estimating the SFRS(MSE=0.0182,R2=0.8319)and shows high agreement with the results from the LEM method.The results from the long-short-term memory(LSTM)model are the least accurate(MSE=0.037,R2=0.6618)of all the models tested.However,only the null space support vector regression(NuSVR)model performs accurately compared to the practice mode by altering the value of one parameter while maintaining the other parameters constant.It is suggested that this model would be the best one to use to calculate the SFRS.A graphical user interface for the proposed models is developed to further assist in the calculation of the SFRS for engineering difficulties.In this study,we attempt to bridge the gap between modern slope stability evaluation techniques and more conventional analysis methods.

Numerical analysis of downward progressive landslides in long natural slopes with sensitive clay

Landslides occurring in sensitive clay often result in widespread destruction,posing a significant risk to human lives and property due to the substantial decrease in undrained shear strength during deformation.Assessing the consequences of these landslides is challenging and necessitates robust numerical methods to comprehensively investigate their failure mechanisms.While studies have extensively explored upward progressive landslides in sensitive clays,understanding downward progressive cases remains limited.In this study,we utilised the nodal integration-based particle finite element method(NPFEM)with a nonlinear strain-softening model to analyse downward progressive landslides in sensitive clay on elongated slopes,induced by surcharge loads near the crest.We focused on elucidating the underlying failure mechanisms and evaluating the effects of different soil parameters and strainsoftening characteristics.The simulation results revealed the typical pattern for downward landslides,which typically start with a localised failure in proximity to the surcharge loads,followed by a combination of different types of failure mechanisms,including single flow slides,translational progressive landslides,progressive flow slides,and spread failures.Additionally,inclined shear bands occur within spread failures,often adopting distinctive ploughing patterns characterised by triangular shapes.The sensitive clay thickness at the base,the clay strength gradient,the sensitivity,and the softening rate significantly influence the failure mechanisms and the extent of diffused displacement.Remarkably,some of these effects mirror those observed in upward progressive landslides,underscoring the interconnectedness of these phenomena.This study contributes valuable insights into the complex dynamics of sensitive clay landslides,shedding light on the intricate interplay of factors governing their behaviour and progression.

Large-scale model testing of high-pressure grouting reinforcement for bedding slope with rapid-setting polyurethane

Bedding slope is a typical heterogeneous slope consisting of different soil/rock layers and is likely to slide along the weakest interface.Conventional slope protection methods for bedding slopes,such as retaining walls,stabilizing piles,and anchors,are time-consuming and labor-and energy-intensive.This study proposes an innovative polymer grout method to improve the bearing capacity and reduce the displacement of bedding slopes.A series of large-scale model tests were carried out to verify the effectiveness of polymer grout in protecting bedding slopes.Specifically,load-displacement relationships and failure patterns were analyzed for different testing slopes with various dosages of polymer.Results show the great potential of polymer grout in improving bearing capacity,reducing settlement,and protecting slopes from being crushed under shearing.The polymer-treated slopes remained structurally intact,while the untreated slope exhibited considerable damage when subjected to loads surpassing the bearing capacity.It is also found that polymer-cemented soils concentrate around the injection pipe,forming a fan-shaped sheet-like structure.This study proves the improvement of polymer grouting for bedding slope treatment and will contribute to the development of a fast method to protect bedding slopes from landslides.

Using negative exponential function to characterize built-up land density along slope gradient for 19 urban areas in China

In China,numerous cities are expanding into sloping land,yet the quantitative distribution patterns of urban built-up land density along the slope gradient remain unclear,limiting the understanding of sloping land urbanization.In this paper,a simple negative exponential function was presented to verify its applicability in 19 typical sloping urban areas in China.The function fits well for all case urban areas(R2≥0.951,p<0.001).The parameters of this function clearly describe two fundamental attributes:initial value a and decline rate b.Between 2000 and 2020,a tends to increase,while b tends to decrease in all urban areas,confirming the hypothesis of mutual promotion between flatland densification and sloping land expansion.Multiple regression analysis indicates that the built-up land density and the ruggedness of background land can explain 70.7%of a,while the average slope ratio of built-up land to background land,the built-up land density and the built-up land area can explain 82.1%of b.This work provides a quantitative investigative tool for distribution of urban built-up land density along slope gradient,aiding in the study of the globally increasing phenomenon of sloping land urbanization from a new perspective.

Effects of freeze-thaw cycles on sandstone in sunny and shady slopes

A growing rock engineering activity in cold regions is facing the threat of freeze-thaw(FT)weathering,especially in high mountains where the sunny-shady slope effects strongly control the difference in weathering behavior of rocks.In this paper,an investigation of the degradation of petrophysical characteristics of sandstone specimens subjected to FT cycle tests to simulate the sunny-shady slope effects is presented.To this aim,non-destructive and repeatable testing techniques including weight,ultrasonic waves,and nuclear magnetic resonance methods on standard specimens were performed.For the sunny slope specimens,accompanied by the enlargement of small pores,100 FT cycles caused a significant decrease in P-wave velocity with an average of 23%,but a consistent rise of 0.18%in mass loss,34%in porosity,67%in pore geometrical mean radius,and a remarkable 14.5-fold increase in permeability.However,slight changes with some abnormal trends in physical parameters of the shady slope specimens were observed during FT cycling,which can be attributed to superficial granular disaggregation and pore throat obstruction.Thermal shocks enhance rock weathering on sunny slopes during FT cycles,while FT weathering on shady slopes is restricted to the small pores and the superficial cover.These two factors are primarily responsible for the differences in FT weathering intensity between sunny and shady slopes.The conclusions derived from the interpretation of the experimental results may provide theoretical guidance for the design of slope-failure prevention measures and the selection of transportation routes in cold mountainous regions.

Large-scale toppling slope under water level fluctuation of reservoir:A case of Yunnan Province,China

Landslides induced by reservoir inundation are common in Southwest China,negatively influencing hydropower stations.TheWunonglong hydropower station dam was constructed in the upper reaches of the Lancang River,accordingly causing the water level at the Lajinshengu slope to increase by 30 m.A tension crack with a visible depth of 8 m was observed in the upper sector of the Lajinshengu slope after reservoir impoundment for 170 d.In the following days,numerous cracks appeared on the surface of the slope,and the maximum displacement of the slope reached 3.22 m.Then,a large-scale active deformation body within the Lajinshengu slope formed with an area of 2.62×10^(5)m^(2)and a volume of 1.65×10^(7)m^(3).Detailed field investigations,on-site monitoring,and centrifugal model tests were carried out to analyze the surface features,deformation characteristics,and failure mechanism of the Lajinshengu slope.The results show that the slope is an ancient landslide,divided into two parts(i.e.zone A and zone B)by the gully.Zone B is a traction landslide caused by the displacement of zone A.The longterm inundation weakens the soft rock at the slope foot,intensifying the toppling of bedrock and consequently triggering the sliding of the overburden in zone A.The failure mode of the Lajinshengu slope is a typical case of toppling-sliding failure,and the underlying rock toppling drives the overlying sliding.In addition,early identification methods for toppling deformation covered by overburdened soil were proposed based on monitoring data and deformation signs.

Modified Sadowski formula-based model for the slope shape amplification effect under multistage slope blasting vibration

Blasting operations,which are crucial to open-pit mine production due to their simplicity and efficiency,require precise control through accurate vibration velocity calculations.The conventional Sadowski formula mainly focuses on blast center distance but neglects the amplification effect of blasting vibration waves by terraced terrain,from which the calculated blasting vibration velocities are smaller than the actual values,affecting the safety of the project.To address this issue,our model introduces the influences of slope and time into Sadowski formula to measure safety through blast vibration displacement.In the northern section of the open-pit quartz mine in Jinchang City,Gansu Province,China,the data of a continuous blasting slope project are referred to.Our findings reveal a noticeable vibration amplification effect during blasting when a multi-stage slope platform undergoes a sudden cross-sectional change near the upper overhanging surface.The amplification vibration coefficient increases with height,while vibration waves within rocks decrease from bottom to top.Conversely,platforms without distinct crosssectional changes exhibit no pronounced amplification during blasting.In addition,the vibration intensity decreases with distance as the rock height difference change propagates.The results obtained by the proposed blast vibration displacement equation incorporating slope shape influence closely agree with real-world scenarios.According to Pearson correlation coefficient(PPMCC)analysis,the average accuracy rate of our model is 88.84%,which exceeds the conventional Sadowski formula(46.92%).