Stability Analysis of Open-Pit Slope Containing a Fault Utilizing UDEC

Abstract

Faults are the commonly encountered large geological discontinuities in hard rock masses, many severe open pit slope failures are found to be closely associated with the faults presence nearby. Open-pit slope takes shape gradually as a rock unloading process accompanied by geostress redistribution, especially in a slope containing a fault. The finite difference code (UDEC) was employed as the analytical method in this paper and coulomb slip model was utilized to describe the properties of fault provided by UDEC. Parametric analysis has identified both the fault dips and fault locations relative to the open pit slope to be really critical for the open pit slope stability. The relationship of crest displacements, safety factor varying with these fault parameters was established. The distribution of plastic zone and displacement was graphically presented and the mechanisms such effects were discussed. These results offer a guideline in support design for an open-pit slope containing a fault.