Numerical modelling of the pit wall stability while optimizing its boundaries to ensure the ore mining completeness

Abstract

Purpose is to assess changes in the stress-strain state of walls along the whole periphery of a super-deep open pit while optimizing its current and final boundaries for the complete ore excavation. Methods. Finite element 3D analysis of stress-strain state (SSS) of the soil and rock mass relies upon the models varying in their scales. Macrolevel model includes the full pit helping perform initial evaluation of its stability depending upon changes in the general wall slope along the pit periphery. Then, the macromodel is separated into sectoral models with smaller scales oriented radially in such a way to include potentially unstable wall areas. The sectoral models make it possible to show the complex bench line in more detail after the peripheries were optimized in terms of economic factor and simulate layered structure of the rock mass. Elastoplastic model of the medium as well as Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion has been implemented using RS3 (Rocscience) program codes. Findings. An indicator of wall strength (safety factor) distribution along the pit periphery has been identified; potential sliding surfaces within each of the separated open pit sectors have been localized based upon the shear strength reduction (SSR) procedure. Influence by the general wall slope as well as by the indicator of the ore excavation completeness on the stripping ratio has been demonstrated. Originality. For the first time, two-level modelling has shown difference in a safety factor depending upon a model scale and a reflection degree of the soil-rock mass structure. In the context of the actual mining and geological conditions of Kacharsky open pit, changes in the safety factor along the pit periphery have been identified depending on the general slope of the wall. Practical implications. Based upon the pit wall stability along the whole periphery, the possibility has been substantiated to optimize its design boundaries for the excavation of those amenable ore reserves, occurred near them, inclusive of ore, occurring in a bottom, which mining is impossible due to inaccessibility.