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Back-Analysis of the Bingham Canyon South Wall: A Quasi-static Complex Slope Movement Mechanism
Abstract A 610-m-high portion of the South Wall of the Bingham Canyon open pit has experienced slow-moving slope deformations several times during spring melt until the movement was stabilized approximately 7 years ago. To develop and optimize life of mine slope designs, an understanding of the mechanism(s) and associated material strength parameters, was required. A back-analysis and calibration of the strength parameters for the salient rock mass and structural features was undertaken. The back-analysis consisted of understanding the conditions and trigger for the slope movement and adjusting strength parameters to match available monitoring data (time-domain reflectometer cables, inclinometers, interferometric radar data, etc.). The trigger for the movement was attributed to the spring high-perched water levels in the upper part of the wall. A FLAC3D model was built to back-analyze and capture the complex behavior of the slope during the high deformation period (August 2011). The back-analysis was consistent with the conceptual model and indicated that the slide was composed of mixed mechanisms, namely, a structurally controlled mechanism for the upper wall and a rock mass controlled mechanism for the lower wall (toe). The analysis supported by a converging FLAC3D model, were used to guide mining engineers in developing robust pit design in the South Wall. Today, the O-Slide instability is being fully managed by rigorous monitoring, implementation of a toe buttress, successful dewatering efforts, and unloading of the movement mass as another slice of mining advances down the South Wall.
Back-Analysis of the Bingham Canyon South Wall: A Quasi-static Complex Slope Movement Mechanism
Abstract A 610-m-high portion of the South Wall of the Bingham Canyon open pit has experienced slow-moving slope deformations several times during spring melt until the movement was stabilized approximately 7 years ago. To develop and optimize life of mine slope designs, an understanding of the mechanism(s) and associated material strength parameters, was required. A back-analysis and calibration of the strength parameters for the salient rock mass and structural features was undertaken. The back-analysis consisted of understanding the conditions and trigger for the slope movement and adjusting strength parameters to match available monitoring data (time-domain reflectometer cables, inclinometers, interferometric radar data, etc.). The trigger for the movement was attributed to the spring high-perched water levels in the upper part of the wall. A FLAC3D model was built to back-analyze and capture the complex behavior of the slope during the high deformation period (August 2011). The back-analysis was consistent with the conceptual model and indicated that the slide was composed of mixed mechanisms, namely, a structurally controlled mechanism for the upper wall and a rock mass controlled mechanism for the lower wall (toe). The analysis supported by a converging FLAC3D model, were used to guide mining engineers in developing robust pit design in the South Wall. Today, the O-Slide instability is being fully managed by rigorous monitoring, implementation of a toe buttress, successful dewatering efforts, and unloading of the movement mass as another slice of mining advances down the South Wall.
Back-Analysis of the Bingham Canyon South Wall: A Quasi-static Complex Slope Movement Mechanism
Cambio, D. (author) / Hicks, D. D. (author) / Moffitt, K. (author) / Yetisir, M. (author) / Carvalho, J. L. (author)
2019
Article (Journal)
English
Local classification TIB:
560/4815/6545
BKL:
38.58
Geomechanik
/
56.20
Ingenieurgeologie, Bodenmechanik
Back-Analysis of the Bingham Canyon South Wall: A Quasi-static Complex Slope Movement Mechanism
Online Contents | 2019
|Deepwater canyon slope stability
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002
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