Risk Based Slope Design for Opencast Coal Mines at Rotowaro, Huntly, New Zealand

Authors: Johnson, JD; Fergusson, D; Guy, G Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/708_9

Cite As:
Johnson, JD, Fergusson, D & Guy, G 2007, 'Risk Based Slope Design for Opencast Coal Mines at Rotowaro, Huntly, New Zealand', in Y Potvin (ed.), Slope Stability 2007: Proceedings of the 2007 International Symposium on Rock Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 157-170, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/708_9



Abstract:
This paper presents an overview of the history of open pit slope design within the Rotowaro Coalfield, Huntly New Zealand and discusses how these approaches have been successfully adopted in recent years to manage slope instability risk. Discussion is presented on the application of conventional 2-dimensional slope analysis at Rotowaro and the background to the development of quantitative risk-based slope design methods. The application of a ‘risk volume’ as design criteria is outlined. The limitations of these approaches for larger slopes are noted and discussed. Comparisons of 2-D and 3-D analytical approaches using limit equilibrium methods are presented. A discussion on the validity of assessed weak rock mass strengths at high normal stress is also provided, together with how these effects are being investigated using numerical models. A comparison of slope stability findings from limit equilibrium and finite difference modelling are discussed along with the implications for slope design and risk management.

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