Instability mechanisms of slope in open-pit coal mines:From physical and numerical modeling

The stability of open-pit mine slopes is crucial for safe and efficient mining operations.However,the presence of weak interlayers poses significant challenges in maintaining the stability of slopes.To explore the impact of the rock arching effect on slopes during excavation,understand the deformation zones and evaluation stages in such environments,and analyze the formation and characteristics of cracks,this study investigated the instability mechanism of open-pit mine slopes with weak interlayers through physical and numerical modeling.Focusing on the Zaharnur open-pit coal mine in China as a prototype,a sophisticated physical model test employing particle image velocimetry and Brillouin optical frequency domain analysis was conducted to comprehensively analyze the displacement and strain variation characteristics of open-pit mine slopes.The displacement,strain,stress redistribution,and failure processes of slopes under excavation were comprehensively analyzed through physical and numerical modeling.The results showed that the slope model exhibited a strain pattern in which the strain incrementally increased from its center toward the edges,and the landslide thrust was converted into an internal force along the arch axis and transmitted to the supports.The concept of the rock arching effect specific to soft rocks was proposed,shedding new light on an important phenomenon specific to open-pit slopes with weak interlayers.Based on its deformation characteristics,the slope could be divided into three areas:The excavation influence area,the crack area and the failure area.In addition,the ratios of the height and width of the outermost cracks to the excavation width fluctuated in the ranges of 0.36–0.49 and0.72–1.00,respectively.These findings contribute to a better understanding of the instability mechanisms in open-pit mine slopes with weak interlayers and provide valuable guidelines for safe mining practices.

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.

Effects of spatial heterogeneity on pseudo-static stability of coal mine overburden dump slope,using random limit equilibrium and random finite element methods:A comparative study

Sudden and unforeseen seismic failures of coal mine overburden(OB)dump slopes interrupt mining operations,cause loss of lives and delay the production of coal.Consideration of the spatial heterogeneity of OB dump materials is imperative for an adequate evaluation of the seismic stability of OB dump slopes.In this study,pseudo-static seismic stability analyses are carried out for an OB dump slope by considering the material parameters obtained from an insitu field investigation.Spatial heterogeneity is simulated through use of the random finite element method(RFEM)and the random limit equilibrium method(RLEM)and a comparative study is presented.Combinations of horizontal and vertical spatial correlation lengths were considered for simulating isotropic and anisotropic random fields within the OB dump slope.Seismic performances of the slope have been reported through the probability of failure and reliability index.It was observed that the RLEM approach overestimates failure probability(P_(f))by considering seismic stability with spatial heterogeneity.The P_(f)was observed to increase with an increase in the coefficient of variation of friction angle of the dump materials.Further,it was inferred that the RLEM approach may not be adequately applicable for assessing the seismic stability of an OB dump slope for a horizontal seismic coefficient that is more than or equal to 0.1.

A New Approach for the Calculation of Slope Failure Probability with Fuzzy Limit-State Functions

This study presents an innovative approach to calculating the failure probability of slopes by incorporating fuzzylimit-state functions,a method that significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of slope stability analysis.Unlike traditional probabilistic techniques,this approach utilizes a least squares support vector machine(LSSVM)optimized with a grey wolf optimizer(GWO)and K-fold cross-validation(CV)to approximate the limit-statefunction,thus reducing computational complexity.The novelty of this work lies in its application to one-dimensional(1D),two-dimensional(2D),and three-dimensional(3D)slope models,demonstrating its versatility andhigh precision.The proposed method consistently achieves error margins within 3%of Monte Carlo simulation(MCS)results,while substantially reducing computation time,particularly for 2D and 3D models.This makes theapproach highly practical for real-world engineering applications.Furthermore,by applying fuzzy mathematics tohandle uncertainties in geotechnical properties,the method offers a more realistic and comprehensive understandingof slope stability.As water is the main factor influencing the stability of slopes,this aspect is investigatedby calculating the phreatic line after the change in water level.Relevant examples are used to show that the failureprobability of a slope under water wading condition can increase by more than 20%(increase rates in 1D,2D and3D conditions being 25%,27%and 31%,respectively)compared with the natural condition.The influence ofdiverse fuzzy membership functions—linear,normal,and Cauchy—on failure probability is also considered.Thisresearch not only provides a strategy for better calculation of the slope failure probability but also pioneers theintegration of computational intelligence,fuzzy logic and fluid-dynamics in geotechnical engineering,presentingan innovative and efficient tool for slope stability analysis.

High precision slope deformation monitoring model based on the GPS/Pseudolites technology in open-pit mine

As the number and geometric intensity of visual satellites are susceptible to large slopes in open-pit mines, we propose integration of GPS/Pseudolites (PLs) positioning technology which can increase the number of visible satellites, strengthen the geometric intensity of satellites and provide a precision solution for slope deformation monitoring. However, the un-modeled systematic errors are still the main limiting factors for high precision baseline solution. In order to eliminate the un-modeled systematic error, the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) theory is employed. The multi-scale decomposition and reconstruction architecture are defined here on the basis of the EMD theory and the systematic error mitigation model is demonstrated as well. A standard of the scale selection for the systematic error elimination is given in terms of the mean of the accumulated standardized modes. Thereafter, the scheme of the GPS/PLs baseline solution based on the EMD is suggested. The simulation and experiment results show that the precision factors (DOP) are reduced greatly when PLs is located suitably. The proposed scheme dramatically improves the reliability of ambiguity resolution and the precision of baseline vector after systematic error being eliminated, and provides an effective model for high precision slope deformation monitoring in open-pit mine.

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.

Cut slope reinforcement technique in open-pit mines

The design and practice in supporting the cut slope of an open-pit mine wereintroduced, in which the high pressure grouting method was used in reinforcing the weak formation inthe slopes. Based on a detailed geological survey of the slope, a theoretical analysis was carriedout, and the design parameters were proposed, where the Tresca or Mohr-Coulomb yield criteria wasemployed. A patent technology, named 'Technology of high pressure and multiple grouting in differentlevels within a single hole', was employed in the construction. Anchor bars were also installed asgrouting proceeds. This method combines anchoring and grouting comprehensively and was foundsuccessful in practice.

Application of open-pit and underground mining technology for residual coal of end slopes

Given the conditions of residual coal from the boundary of a flat dipping open-pit mine,which uses strip areas mining and inner dumping with slope-covering,we propose an open-pit and underground integrated mining technology for residual coal of end slopes.In the proposal a conveyance road and ventilation conveyance near the slope are built,corresponding to the pit mining area and the surface coal mine dump,as well as an interval haulage tunnel and air-inlet tunnel.The outcome shows that such mining method may reduce the effect to slope stability from underground mining,it does not affect the dumping advance and has a high recovery rate of residual coal resources.The working face is timbered by single hydraulic props,transported by a scraper conveyor and supported by coal walls.This method of mining is one of layered top coal caving,with high resource recovery,low production cost where positive economic benefit can be realized.

Sensitivity analysis for parameters of a monitoring system for steep slopes of open-pit mines

Monitoring the stability of steep slopes of open-pit mines is a major issue relating to production safety in mines.In order to determine the technical parameters of a new type of supervising system applied in monitoring steep slopes of open-pit mines,the MSARMA method was used to establish analytical models for the monitoring system,given various parameter settings based on the description of mechanical monitoring principles.We used this sensitivity analysis to conclude that the setting of the most sensitive location of a mechanical monitoring system should be within a range of 1/5～1/2 of the lower part in a vertical direction of steep slopes,with a rational and feasible range of the dip angle setting between 0°～20°.Given the analytical results of our on-site experiments,we have shown that the parameters determined reflect the stability of steep slopes accurately and effectively.These conclusions provide a basis for the application of a new type of steep slope stability monitoring technology in open-pit mines.

Stability analysis of the sliding process of the west slope in Buzhaoba Open-Pit Mine

To study the stability of the west slope in Buzhaoba Open-Pit Mine and determine the aging stability coefficient during slide mass development, the deformation band of the west slope and the slide mass structure of the 34,600 profile are obtained on the basis of hydrology, geology, and monitoring data.The residual thrust method is utilized to calculate the stability coefficients, which are 1.225 and 1.00 under sound and transfixion conditions, respectively. According to the rock damage and fragmentation and the principle of mechanical parameter degradation, the mechanical models of the slide mass development of the hard and soft rock slopes are established. An integrated model for calculating the slope stability coefficient is built considering water, vibration, and other external factors that pertain to the structural plane damage mechanism and the generating mechanism of the sliding mass. The change curve of the stability coefficient in the slide mass development is obtained from the relevant analyses,and afterwards, the stability control measures are proposed. The analysis results indicate that in the cracking stage of the hard rock, the slope stability coefficient decreases linearly with the increase in the length Lbof the hard rock crack zone. The linear slope is positively correlated to rock cohesion c. In the transfixion stage of the soft rock, the decrease speed of the stability coefficient is positively correlated to the residual strength of the soft rock. When the slope is stable, the stability coefficient is in a quadratic-linear relationship with the decreased height Dh of the side slope and in a linear relationship with anchoring force P.

Effect of digital elevation models on monitoring slope displacements in open-pit mine by differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar

Displacement monitoring in open-pit mines is one of the important tasks for safe management of mining processes.Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar(DInSAR),mounted on an artificial satellite,has the potential to be a cost-effective method for monitoring surface displacements over extensive areas,such as open-pit mines.DInSAR requires the ground surface elevation data in the process of its analysis as a digital elevation model(DEM).However,since the topography of the ground surface in open-pit mines changes largely due to excavations,measurement errors can occur due to insufficient information on the elevation of mining areas.In this paper,effect of different elevation models on the accuracy of the displacement monitoring results by DInSAR is investigated at a limestone quarry.In addition,validity of the DInSAR results using an appropriate DEM is examined by comparing them with the results obtained by global positioning system(GPS)monitoring conducted for three years at the same limestone quarry.It is found that the uncertainty of DEMs induces large errors in the displacement monitoring results if the baseline length of the satellites between the master and the slave data is longer than a few hundred meters.Comparing the monitoring results of DInSAR and GPS,the root mean square error(RMSE)of the discrepancy between the two sets of results is less than 10 mm if an appropriate DEM,considering the excavation processes,is used.It is proven that DInSAR can be applied for monitoring the displacements of mine slopes with centimeter-level accuracy.

Application of cusp catastrophe theory to reliability analysis of slopes in open-pit mines

A method of slope reliability analysis was developed by imposing a state equation on the limit equilibrium theory, given the basis of a fixed safety factor technique. Among the many problems of reliability analysis, the most important problem is to find a performance function. We have created a new method of building a limit state equation for planar slip surfaces by applying the mathematical cusp catastrophe theory. This new technique overcomes the defects in the traditional rigid limit equilibrium theory and offers a new way for studying the reliability problem of planar slip surfaces. Consequently, we applied the technique to a case of an open-pit mine and compared our results with that of the traditional approach. From the results we conclude that both methods are essentially consistent, but the reliability index calculated by the traditional model is lower than that from the catastrophic model. The catastrophe model takes into consideration two possible situations of a slope being in the limit equilibrium condition, i.e., it may or may not slip. In the traditional method, however, a slope is definitely considered as slipping when it meets the condition of a limit equilibrium. We conclude that the catastrophe model has more actual and instructive importance compared to the traditional model.

Parameter inversion and location determination of evolutionary weak layer for open-pit mine slope

In light of the complex and dynamic mechanical properties of evolving weak strata in open-pit mines,and the consequent difficulty of determining their mechanical parameters,this study uses the ultimate balance theory,along with the back analysis method combined with monitoring data on field displacement,to carry out parameter inversion using the FLAC3D numerical simulation software.The edge slope of a working pit of the Weijiamao open-pit mine was used as research object to this end.As the results obtained by the constitutive model were consistent with the field monitoring data,the evolving weak strata in the slope and the position of the landslide in the mine could be obtained.The landslide was directed northeast.The mechanism of the edge slope of the working pit was identified as unloading shear failure,and the feasibility of the method of parameter inversion was verified.The internal friction angle φand cohesion C of evolving weak strata in the slope of the open-pit mine were also obtained,where this compensated for the deficiency of laboratory tests and enabled the transformation from qualitative to quantitative analysis.This can provide a reliable basis for the safe operation of open-pit mines.

Physical model test study on shear strength characteristics of slope sliding surface in Nanfen open-pit mine

A physical model for the footwall slope of Nanfen open-pit mine, China was established using a selfdeveloped deep geological engineering disaster model test system. A thermosensitive similar material,paraffin, was selected to simulate a weak structural plane in the slope to reproduce the landslide process.From an experimental perspective, the variation trend of shear strength parameters of weak structural plane and the mechanical support characteristics of NPR(negative Poisson’s ratio) anchor cable under the condition of a large landslide deformation and failure were examined. The results of this model test showed that slope failure has four distinct stages:(1) soil compaction stage,(2) crack generation stage,(3) crack propagation stage, and(4) sliding plane transfixion stage. According to the test results, the rock mechanics parameters of weak surface in the footwall slope of Nanfen open-pit mine were calculated.The cohesion is approximately 1.35×10~5 Pa, and the internal friction angle is approximately 6.33°.During slope failure, the NPR anchor cable experiences a large deformation but no damage occurs, indicating that the NPR anchor cable can be continuously monitored and reinforced during the deformation and failure of landslide. The stress characteristics of NPR anchor cables during the test are consistent with the monitoring results of Newtonian force at the landslide site, proving that NPR anchor cables are effective and reasonable in landslide monitoring and early warning.

Stability analysis of open-pit gold mine slopes and optimization of mining scheme in Inner Mongolia,China

The geological structure of the Changshanhao open-pit mine in Urad Middle Banner,Inner Mongolia,China is extremely complicated,and slope instability has frequently occurred in various forms,such as wedge sliding,bedding sliding,and toppling failure.In order to study the failure mechanisms of these slopes,the geological structure and mechanical rock properties were investigated based on field investigations and laboratory tests.Numerical models for the present mining area and final mining area of the original scheme were established to analyze slope stability.The results showed that the unique geomorphological characteristics of the mining area were generated by geological tectonism,and the north side of the stope is an anti-dip layered rock slope and the south side is a dip layered rock slope.Slope failure is the consequence of endogenic and exogenic integration,including physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass,geological structures such as faults and joints,and human-caused factors such as blasting and excavation disturbances.Then the original excavation scheme was redesigned mainly by optimizing the slope angle and decreasing the final mining depth to maintain slope stability.Finally,the Monte Carlo method was used to analyze the reliability of the slope angle optimization scheme.The open-pit mine excavation plan that meets the stability requirements was obtained eventually.

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.

The slope creep law for a soft rock in an open-pit mine in the Gobi region of Xinjiang, China

The lithology of the strata in the Gobi region of the Xinjiang autonomous region of China is mainly composed of mudstone,silty mudstone,and other soft rocks.Because of the low strength of the rock mass and the serious effects of physical weathering in this area,the slope stability in open-pit mines is poor,and creep deformation and instability can readily occur.Taking the Dananhu No.2 open-pit mine as a typical example,the creep test of a mudstone sample under different stress levels was studied.Then,based on a bottom friction experiment and a FLAC3D numerical simulation,the deformation and failure processes of the slope were analyzed.The stress–displacement curve and the displacement–time curve for the monitoring points were plotted to obtain the relationship between the stress and displacement for the slope of the soft rock.The results showed that the long-term strength of the mudstone was between 8.0 and 8.8 MPa,and that stable creep occurred when the slope was under low stress.The potential failure mode for this type of slope is that the front edge creeps along the weak layer and then a crack is formed at the trailing edge of the slope.When the crack penetrates the weak layer,cutting bedding and bedding sliding occur.The deformation process of the stable creep slope includes an initial deformation stage,an initial creep stage,a constant velocity creep stage and a deceleration creep stage.

Calculation of slope-cover height under price fluctuation in open-pit mines

Leaving ditches between adjacent mining areas can effectively reduce re-stripping in the latter mining area and simultaneously lead to an increment in internal dumping costs in the former mining area. This paper establishes calculation models for these two marginal costs. The optimizing model for slope cover height can be determined by including marginal cost models in the objective function. The paper has two main contributions:(a) it fully considers redistribution of dumping space in the model;(b) it introduces price fluctuations and cash discounts in the model. We use the typical open-pit mine as an example to test and prove the model. We conclude that a completely covered slope is reasonable in Haerwusu open pit mine; in addition to an increasing price index, the slope cover height can be reduced; and that price changes are one of the most important influencing factors of slope cover height optimization in an open-pit mine.

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.

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.