Three-dimensional slope stability modelling and its interoperability with interferometric radar data to improve geotechnical design

Authors: McQuillan, A; Yacoub, T; Bar, N; Coli, N; Leoni, L; Rea, S; Bu, J

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_92

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McQuillan, A, Yacoub, T, Bar, N, Coli, N, Leoni, L, Rea, S & Bu, J 2020, 'Three-dimensional slope stability modelling and its interoperability with interferometric radar data to improve geotechnical design', in PM Dight (ed.), Slope Stability 2020: Proceedings of the 2020 International Symposium on Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1349-1358, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_92

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Abstract:
Commercial 3D limit equilibrium and 3D finite element analysis software has been available to geotechnical engineers for nearly a decade. Current 3D modelling software allows the direct importation of as-built designs to back-analyse slope stability. The same 3D modelling software allows the direct importation of deformation data recorded by slope stability radars. This interoperability between modelling software and monitoring data provides geotechnical engineers an invaluable method to back-analyse material properties and refine slope stability models. This paper presents a case study showing the integration of 3D limit equilibrium, 3D finite element and synthetic aperture radar monitoring data to determine suitable remediation actions to stabilise an identified deforming section of slope in an open cut gold mine.

Keywords: 3D, slope stability, radar interoperability

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