Development of a DFN-based probabilistic block theory approach for bench face angle design in open pit mining

In open pit mining,uncontrolled block instabilities have serious social,economic and regulatory consequences,such as casualties,disruption of operation and increased regulation difficulties.For this reason,bench face angle,as one of the controlling parameters associated with block instabilities,should be carefully designed for sustainable mining.This study introduces a discrete fracture network(DFN)-based probabilistic block theory approach for the fast design of the bench face angle.A major advantage is the explicit incorporation of discontinuity size and spatial distribution in the procedure of key blocks testing.The proposed approach was applied to a granite mine in China.First,DFN models were generated from a multi-step modeling procedure to simulate the complex structural characteristics of pit slopes.Then,a modified key blocks searching method was applied to the slope faces modeled,and a cumulative probability of failure was obtained for each sector.Finally,a bench face angle was determined commensurate with an acceptable risk level of stability.The simulation results have shown that the number of hazardous traces exposed on the slope face can be significantly reduced when the suggested bench face angle is adopted,indicating an extremely low risk of uncontrolled block instabilities.

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.

Numerical investigations of rock bridge effect on open pit slope stability

In this study,the effect of rock bridges on rock slope stability was investigated by incorporating nonpersistent joint networks in numerical models,and the critical profiles of an open pit mine were analysed.Parallel deterministic networks of infinite and finite lengths,ubiquitous joint network model and Veneziano joint network model were used in order to simulate the rock fractures.Materials were modelled based on the generalised Hoek-Brown and equivalent Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria.The parallel deterministic infinite and the ubiquitous joint network models produced lower safety factors.The introduction of rock bridges along discontinuity planes in the parallel deterministic network and Veneziano joint network models significantly contributed to the stability and strain distribution,which should be considered in stability analysis of rock mass in open pit by rock slope practitioners.The results show the significance of joints in hard rock behaviour and the joints should be included in order to attain practical and realistic simulations.

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.

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.

Quantitative hazard assessment system(Has-Q) for open pit mine slopes

Rock slope hazard assessment is an important part of risk analysis for open pit mines.The main parameters that can lead to rock slope failures are the parameters traditionally used in geomechanical classifications,the slope geometrical parameters and external factors like rainfall and blasting.This paper presents a methodology for a hazard assessment system for open pit mine slopes based on 88 cases collated around the world using principal components analysis,discriminant analysis and confidence ellipses.The historical cases used in this study included copper,gold,iron,diamond,lead and zinc,platinum and claystone mines.The variables used in the assessment methodology are uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock;spacing,persistence,opening,roughness,infilling and orientation of the main discontinuity set;weathering of the rock mass;groundwater;blasting method;and height and inclination of the pit.While principal component analysis was used to quantify the data,the discriminant analysis was used to establish a rule to classify new slopes about its stability condition.To provide a practical hazard assessment system,confidence ellipses were used to propose a hazard graph and generate the HAS-Q.The discriminant rule developed in this research has a high discrimination capacity with an error rate of 11.36%.

Optimization of Slope Angle and Its Seismic Stability: A Case Study for the Proposed Open Pit Coalmine in Phulbari,NW Bangladesh

The present study reflects upon the results of substantial program of two-dimensional Finite Element Method （FEM） numerical analyses of the open pit that links to slope angle optimization associated with the safety factor of the pit slope of a coal mine in Bangladesh. In the present analyses, two types of models have been presented. The first model estimates safety factor without seismic effect on the overall pit slope of the model; the second model incorporates safety factor with seismic stability of the model. The calculated optimum slope angle of the first model is 31% with a rational safety factor of 1.51, prior to the seismic effect. However, the value is reduced to 0.93, 0.82, and 0.72, after we applies the seismic effect in the second model with M6, M6.5, and M7, respectively. Finally, our modeling results emphasize that for the case of the proposed Phulbari coalmine, there is extremely high prospect for causing massive slope failure along the optimum pit slope angle with 31% if the mine area felt seismic shaking, like the Sikkim （in northern India） earthquake with M6.9 on September 18, 2011.

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.

GIS-based 3D limit equilibrium analysis for design optimization of a 600 m high slope in an open pit mine

Combining the GIS （geographic information systems） grid-based data with four proposed column-based 3D slope stability analysis models, a comprehensive solution of a high-steep open-pit slope has been obtained. For six searching ranges, 19 critical slip surfaces of different sizes have been studied, in which the minimum 3D safety factor is 1.33. Comparison of 3D safety factors of designed and proposed slope plans shows for all the critical slip surfaces for the proposed plan, the smallest 3D safety factor is 1.33 under the most unfavorable condition. This means that the proposed plan of the high slopes, about 600 m, of an open pit （2-5° steeper than designed plan） is feasible.

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.

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.

Geotechnical Approach for Slope Design and Management Strategy for Nchanga Open Pit,Zambia

Rock slope stability is a very important research area for many geo-engineers concerned with civil or mining works.Slope stability of pits,roads,tailings dams and other embankments is very cardinal as it directly impacts on the working or utilization of these facilities.After a spate slope failures at the Nchanga Open Pits,a challenge arose to investigate the design parameters that have been in use.This research

Reliability Assessment of an Open Pit Slope on Bong Iron Ore Mine

Slope stability on Bong mine is crucial for securing a balance in the gross national product of Liberia. The mine is being operated using conventional open pit methods with slope angles optimally designed to maximize ore stripping quantity. However, a working slope has displayed signs of uncertainty. The overall inclination of the slope is 56°, and the proposed maximal excavation is 315.42 m, but current depth in ore is approximately 50%. Based on the study of slope geological characteristics, the physical and mechanical parameters of rock mass and the geometrical calculation of stoping, the study is tailored on the mechanism of inspecting stress-strain behavior in response to seasonal variation of rock moisturization as a more suitable means of stope slope stability analysis in this case. This study took full account of local rainfall and other meteorological conditions. Slope stability is investigated via stereographic projections and stability assessment using the Shear Strength Reduction (SSR) method based on FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua) numerical modeling technique in three dimensions to predict the stress-strain behavior of the open-pit slope and evaluate its stability state. Global stability has been analyzed under natural and saturated conditions and it is found that the slope is critically stable and needs proper attention.

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.

Effects of Sublevel Open Stope Underground Mining on Surface and Open Pit Slopes

Underground mining is an economically viable option for exploiting ore reserves deemed uneconomic after open pit mining. However, underground development can have adverse effects on the above existing open pit slope walls. As a goal of this paper, identification and assessment of potential slope instabilities prior to underground development is crucial for safe and sustainable mining. Towards goal achieving, this paper gives a comprehensive parametric study to investigate the influence of sublevel open stope (SLOS) underground mining on the surface and open pit slope walls. By means of numerical simulation, the SLOS design is tried against the existing open pit followed by adjustments of important slope parameters which are overall slope height (OSH) and overall slope angle (OSA). We found that underground mining may induce slope failure, particularly on the hangingwall side of the pit. Subsidence is prominent on the hanging wall and the surface, whereas, the uplift dominates the footwall and pit bottom. Pit wall closure is observed during underground mining. Although the assigned dimensions in the parametric study show a negligible effect of OSH and OSA, the high OSH experience low subsidence in comparison with low OSH. Overall, the results demonstrate that the slope walls on the hanging wall side are mostly affected by the underground mining and high-stress concentration prevails near slope toes and pit bottom. Additionally, slope deformation decrease from pit bottom towards the slope crest and surface. The results of this study add knowledge to open pit and underground mining interaction.

基于InSAR-COMSOL的露天矿边坡稳定性分析及形变预测

露天矿地表形变特征的快速、准确分析及形变趋势精准预测是推进矿山绿色安全生产的重要保障。针对当前形变监测技术存在的时空采样率低、成本高,预测模型参数难确定等问题,以东鞍山露天铁矿为工程背景,提出了一种融合短基线子集干涉测量(SBAS-InSAR)技术和COMSOL有限元模拟的边坡稳定性分析和形变预测一体化方法。首先,利用SBAS-InSAR技术处理2018年5月—2020年6月获取的62景Sentinel-1A升轨SAR数据,获取了该区域2 a内地表形变时间序列,分析了其形变时空演化特征。然后,采用COMSOL Multiphysics软件模拟外界强降雨影响下的典型沉降区域边坡稳定性状况,探讨了坡体损伤裂化规律及形变机理。基于此,利用粒子群算法(PSO)优化长短期时间记忆(LSTM)网络,搭建了形变时序预测最优模型,开展典型沉降区的形变时序预测,并引入平均绝对误差和均方根误差作为预测精度评价指标。结果表明:矿区西部沉降相对严重,年均沉降速率高达47.8 mm/a,形变速率与区域降雨量存在显著相关性。相较于传统形变预测模型,PSO-LSTM模型的2种误差至少降低了14%和36%,且能够有效反映采区地表形变波动趋势,为滑坡灾前预警提供了新思路。

新工科背景下基于OBE理念的露天矿边坡稳定课程教学改革与实践

在新工科建设背景下,我国高等院校提出培养具备实践能力和创新能力的工程人才的新要求,采矿工程专业的课程教学也需与时俱进。针对目前传统教育存在的问题,基于OBE理念对露天矿边坡稳定课程改革进行思考,从修订教学目标、教学内容重构、教学策略改革和多元化新型评价体系四个方面,对露天矿边坡稳定进行课程改革。通过以上改革策略的实施,以期提高学生在新工科背景下露天矿边坡稳定课程中的学习效果和综合能力,为培养适应新工科要求的优秀采矿类人才提供参考和借鉴。

基于渗流作用下含断层的露天矿边坡稳定性的数值模拟研究

为研究含断层露天边坡在渗流作用下的稳定性问题,采用FLAC3D数值模拟技术构建断层作用下的滑体力学模型,获得顺倾层状边坡分条稳定系数表达式,进而对渗流作用下含断层边坡稳定性进行数值模拟分析。对岩体强度的弹性模量、内聚力、内摩擦角和岩体抗拉强度等4种影响因素进行敏感性分析,通过分析这4种因素在不同工况下边坡的位移、应力、应变和安全系数,得出了各参数的敏感性分析曲线。从敏感性分析曲线可知,岩体的内聚力对边坡稳定性的影响最大,弹性模量对边坡稳定性的影响最小。开挖不同阶段边坡稳定性的主要影响因素存在差别,其中,前期以断层为主,后期则逐渐转化为渗流作用。该研究为今后露天矿边坡稳定性分析提供了科学依据,对于边坡稳定性分析具有重大的工程实际意义。

露天煤矿排土场边坡植被恢复群落稳定性研究

为了揭示露天煤矿排土场边坡植被恢复群落稳定性的动态特征和变化模式,以内蒙古北电胜利露天煤矿4个排土场为研究对象,选取Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Margalef丰富度指数、Pielou均匀度指数和Simpson优势度指数、植被盖度、植被高度、地上和地下生物量8个指标,构建了基于群落结构稳定性与群落功能稳定性的排土场边坡植被恢复群落稳定性评价体系,采用综合评价法对处于人工植被恢复中的内排土场和恢复年限分别为4 a、5 a、8 a的沿帮排土场、南排土场和北排土场的南、北方向边坡植被恢复群落稳定性进行综合评估,并对群落稳定性因子与土壤含水量、有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾等环境因子间关系进行分析,探究影响排土场边坡群落稳定性的影响因素。结果表明:(1)随着恢复年限的增加,边坡植被群落稳定性整体呈稳步上升趋势,但与草原站背景值相比,其综合评价指数处于较不稳定或不稳定状态。(2)随着恢复年限的增加,排土场边坡群落稳定性由结构稳定性主导转向功能稳定性主导。恢复初期受人工影响,物种多样性提高,结构稳定性较高,随着时间的推移,结构稳定性波动下降,功能稳定性上升,其中地下生物量增长迅速,生物量向地下转移,进而形成矿区特有的植物群落结构稳定与功能稳定转变特征。(3)从坡向来看,随着恢复年限的增加,边坡群落稳定性逐渐由南坡优于北坡转变为北坡优于南坡。(4)南坡的结构稳定性与环境因子的相关性较高,而北坡的功能稳定性与环境因子相关性较高,表明不同坡向的群落采用了不同的响应策略以适应环境的变化,丰富的有机质和全氮含量对排土场边坡群落功能性稳定性会产生积极影响。

基于变权理论的露天矿边坡稳定性GRA-TOPSIS评价模型研究

为使露天矿边坡稳定性评估更加科学合理,进一步提高评估结果可靠性,迫切需对现有评价模型进行优化和改进。基于变权理论、灰色关联理论(GRA)和逼近理想解法(TOPSIS),提出了露天矿边坡稳定性改进GRA-TOPSIS评价模型。从地质、环境、工程等3个方面,选取了12个典型影响因素,构建了露天矿岩质边坡稳定性综合评价指标体系;运用变权理论确定指标权重,通过计算灰色关联贴近度,实现露天矿岩质边坡稳定性综合评价。以3座矿山(K1-K3)为例,验证评价模型的适用性。结果显示:3座露天矿边坡稳定性排序为K3>K2>K1,稳定性等级分别为Ⅲ级、Ⅱ级和Ⅱ级,与边坡实际相符;通过对比改进GRA-TOPSIS模型与单独使用GRA、TOPSIS模型以及其他模型的评价结果,验证了改进GRA-TOPSIS综合评价模型在露天矿边坡稳定性评估方面的准确性和优越性,体现了研究价值,可为露天矿边坡稳定性评估提供新思路。