Peik, B, Azocar, K, Lawrence, K & Ergun, S 2025, 'A kinematic-based method to quickly inform operational decisions in response to slope deformation', in JJ Potter & J Wesseloo (eds), SSIM 2025: Fourth International Slope Stability in Mining Conference, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_36
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2535_36_Peik/)
Abstract: Open pit mining operations commonly use slope monitoring systems to detect and respond to unforeseen slope movement events. Following such events, detailed supporting investigations are initiated to assess the most likely cause(s) of the movement. Studies may include empirical, kinematic and/or numerical analyses, depending on the complexity of the mechanism and timeline for implementing any required engineering controls. In many cases this can be a time-consuming process; mine personnel would greatly benefit from having more immediate information to support operational and planning decisions while more detailed analyses are being conducted. This paper outlines an alternative kinematic-based method that can be used as an efficient initial assessment of the primary controls associated with an interpreted or conceptual failure surface. In this approach, reasonable or extreme percentile ranges of select inputs such as material strength, pore pressure and structural orientation are first defined. The Factor of Safety (FOS) is then evaluated along the defined slip surface by sampling within the bounds of the data. By evaluating the parameter sensitivity of the FOS, the most probable critical controls can be identified given local conditions, and mitigation options can be quickly evaluated. Conceptual examples along with a large-scale case study using the Leo failure at Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon Mine are presented to demonstrate the details and advantages of the approach. 

Keywords: 3D kinematics, slope optimisation, failure mechanism