An update to kinematic analysis of pit shells

Authors: Tims, S; Venter, J Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_37

Cite As:
Tims, S & Venter, J 2025, 'An update to kinematic analysis of pit shells', 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_37



Abstract:
The original methodology presented by Venter et al. (2018) and Venter & Hamman (2022) for simplified probabilistic kinematic analyses applied on pit shells, has been updated and modified based on usage for design and performance reconciliation. The underlying logic of assessing kinematic risks for pit shells remains unchanged by assessing probability of occurrence for the main kinematic failure types of planar and wedge, sliding and flexural, and direct toppling. This paper will present some practical use cases of the tool beyond which were originally envisioned, including validation of design joint sets for reconciliation purposes. In addition, the paper will present an additional workflow that allows for discretely assessing the likelihood of forming double plane failures against modelled faults, which can be used to assess risks for ramp placement for example.

Keywords: kinematic analysis, slope stability, automation

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