The Setting of Strength Parameters in Stability Analysis of Open-Pit Slope Using the Random Set Method in the Bełchatów Lignite Mine, Central Poland

Elżbieta Pilecka, Jacek Stanisz, Robert Kaczmarczyk and Andrzej Gruchot
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Elżbieta Pilecka: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
Jacek Stanisz: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Science, Józefa Wybickiego 7 A, 31-261 Kraków, Poland
Robert Kaczmarczyk: AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Andrzej Gruchot: Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Geotechnics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 15, 1-19

Abstract: The slopes of open-pit mines are often at risk of failure. To identify this hazard, stability analyses are performed. An important element of these stability analyses is the reliable selection of input parameter values for the calculations. This selection is difficult because the slopes of the open pit are disturbed by mining activities. In such conditions, rheological processes, intensified by weathering, develop in open-pit slopes. This study is aimed at setting the strength parameters for the stability analysis of open-pit slopes with a developed slide process, using the random set method. The study was performed on the example of the open pit of the Bełchatów lignite mine, central Poland. A four-stage methodology, according to the random set method, was proposed. The methodology covered the following: site investigation, sensitivity analyses, shear strength reduction (SSR) analyses using numerical calculations, and probability analyses of the factor of safety (FoS) calculation results. The setting of the input parameters took into account the peak and residual strength parameters for each lithological unit in the physical model of the open-pit slope. Samples for laboratory tests were taken from the cores of nine test boreholes. The sensitivity analysis included all peak and residual strength parameters for each lithological unit in the body. As a result of the sensitivity analysis, specific strength parameters were adopted that would have a great impact upon the results of the calculations. Selected sets of parameter values were then used for the FoS calculations. The resultant FoS values revealed the probable slide planes. The positions of the slide planes were consistent with the interpreted slide surfaces based on the control boreholes and terrain observations. Knowledge of the slide planes positions and the values of the strength parameters enabled the designing of a securing approach for this landslide, and the taking of preventive measures to reduce this risk.

Keywords: open-pit mine; landslide; shear strength reduction method; numerical stability analysis; random set method; strength parameters (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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