Estimation of in situ strength from back-analysis of pit slope failure

Authors: Brown, IR; Wood, PJ; Elmouttie, MK Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1604_18_Brown

Cite As:
Brown, IR, Wood, PJ & Elmouttie, MK 2016, 'Estimation of in situ strength from back-analysis of pit slope failure', in PM Dight (ed.), APSSIM 2016: Proceedings of the First Asia Pacific Slope Stability in Mining Conference, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 331-338, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1604_18_Brown



Abstract:
Using a software package that can be used for either three or two-dimensional (2D) slope stability analyses of the same model we analyse the stability of columns (3D) or slices (2D) overlying a shear failure surface. The failure surface can be any shape, such as that formed by interconnecting fault surfaces in an open pit slope failure that we analyse. We show that there is a significant difference in the factors of safety calculated using 3D analyses, compared with 2D sections through the same model. This means that different shear strength parameters will apply when the values are varied to obtain a Factor of Safety of 1.0. Systematic back-calculations of open pit slope failures using appropriate 3D analysis methods can give a better understanding of appropriate shear strengths to use in forward 3D analyses. This should lead to more efficient pit slope designs.

Keywords: back analysis, 3D stability, computer model

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