The proposed paper is aimed at analysing a rock slope failure that occurred in a sector of an open pit quarry. The failed rock volume was not large, it had a significant impact on the mining operations and the safety of the district road which runs very close to the quarry site. An evaluation of the possible failure mechanisms is given, which was based on a structural description of the rock mass, a mechanical laboratory characterisation of the rock and of rock joints, and on the environmental and exploitation condition. The analysis referred to schemes that could explain the degree of instability of the rock slope. Kinematical analyses, block theory and limit equilibrium were applied and evaluations were also obtained by using DEM models to estimate the static behavior and possible effects induced by quarry blasts of the rock slope.
ANALYSIS OF A ROCK SLOPE FAILURE IN A LIMESTONE OPEN PIT
LO PRESTI, DIEGO CARLO
2007-01-01
Abstract
The proposed paper is aimed at analysing a rock slope failure that occurred in a sector of an open pit quarry. The failed rock volume was not large, it had a significant impact on the mining operations and the safety of the district road which runs very close to the quarry site. An evaluation of the possible failure mechanisms is given, which was based on a structural description of the rock mass, a mechanical laboratory characterisation of the rock and of rock joints, and on the environmental and exploitation condition. The analysis referred to schemes that could explain the degree of instability of the rock slope. Kinematical analyses, block theory and limit equilibrium were applied and evaluations were also obtained by using DEM models to estimate the static behavior and possible effects induced by quarry blasts of the rock slope.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
