SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS USING NUMERICAL MODELLING

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN MINING ENGINERING

BY
SANDEEP SUMAN
111MN0406

DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENGINEERING

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

ROURKELA - 769008
2014-15

1
SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS USING NUMERICAL MODELLING

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN MINING ENGINERING

BY
SANDEEP SUMAN
111MN0406

Under the guidance of

Dr. H. K. Naik
Professor

DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENGINEERING

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
ROURKELA – 769008
2014-15
 National Institute of Technology, Rourkela

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Slope Stability analysis using numerical modelling”
submitted by Sandeep Suman (Roll No. 111MN0406) in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the award of Bachelor of Technology degree in Mining Engineering at the National Institute
of Technology, Rourkela is an authentic work carried out by him under my supervision and
guidance.

To the best of my knowledge, the matter embodied in this thesis has not formed the basis for
the award of any Degree or Diploma or similar title of any University or Institution.

Dr. H. K. Naik
Associate Professor
Mining Engineering Department
Date: NIT, Rourkela-769008

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my profound gratitude and indebtedness to Prof. H. K. Naik, Associate
Professor, Mining Engineering Department, NIT, Rourkela for his guidance and valuable
suggestions. This work would not have been possible without his encouragement and
constructive criticism. I sincerely thank him for the time and patience he devoted for this work.

I am also thankful to all the faculty members for their valuable suggestions.

I am immensely thankful to Mr. Malik Sir and Prof. D. S. Nimaje for their help in carrying out
laboratory experiments.

I would like to acknowledge the authors of different research paper referred in the work, which
were a valuable source for understanding the subject.

Lastly, I am thankful to all my friends who encouraged and helped me in accomplishing this
project.

Sandeep Suman
111MN0406
Department of Mining Engineering
NIT Rourkela

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 Table of Contents
ITEMS TOPICS PAGE NO.
a. Certificate i
b. Acknowledgement ii
c. Table of contents iii
d. List of figures iv
e. List of Tables iv
f. Abstract v
1. Introduction 1-5
1.1 Overview 2
1.2 Objectives 3
1.3 Project Methodology 4
1.4 Outline of report 5
2 Literature Review 6-27
2.1 Introduction to open pit slopes 7
2.2 Slope of stability 8
2.3 Factors affecting Slope stability 8
2.4 Types of slope failure 13
2.5 Factors to be considered in assessment 23
3 Introduction to FLAC 28-38
3.1 Introduction 29
3.2 General approach of FLAC 32
3.3 Overview of FLAC 36
3.4 Analysis Procedure 37
4. Numerical Modelling 39-44
5. Results and Conclusions 45-47
5.1 Results 46
5.2 Conclusions 46
5.3 Scope for future work 47
REFERENCES 48-50

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 List of figures
FIGURE Pg. No. DESCRIPTION
NO.
1.1 4 Project Methodology
2.1 7 Open Pit Slope parameters
2.2 13 Planar Failure
2.3 14 Geometries of plane slope failure
2.4 17 Wedge failure
2.5 18 Conditions of effective forces in wedge failure analysis
2.6 19 Plane normal to the intersection of joint sets
2.7 20 The geometry of the sliding wedge failure
2.8 21 Circular failure
2.9 23 Toppling failure
2.10 24 Variety of slope failure circles analyzed at varying radii
2.11 25 Variation of factor of safety with critical circle radius
2.12 25 Effects of tension crack at the head of a slide
4.1 40 Model slope used in the project
4.2 42 FLAC models of some numerical models
4.3 44 Angle of friction vs. FOS
4.4 44 Cohesion vs. FOS

List of Tables

Table no. Page No. DESCRIPTION

2.1 26 Guidelines for slopes
3.1 30 Numerical method for analysis
4.1 43 Experimental Results

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ABSTRACT

Stability analysis of slopes is a very important component of various opencast mining projects

throughout the life cycle of the project. A failure of slope in the area being worked in a mine can

lead to some severe social, economic as well as a great safety catastrophe. The basic failure

conditions are very diverse & complicated. These failure mechanisms are greatly dependent on

local geology, which are pretty unique to a specific location of the rock mass. In the recent years

too, the method of designing slopes are completely based upon the field knowledge. Better

approach can be made through safe designing of slopes.

The aim of the project is to carry out numerical modelling for slopes having various dimensions

and different rock properties. The numerical modelling is carried out using FLAC SLOPE for

finding out the factor of safety. The parameters are varied for each slope and the factor of safety

calculated for each step. These values are correlated with the bench parameters to find out how

the factor of safety changes with changing parameters.

KEYWORDS

FLAC SLOPE, Slope stability, angle of internal friction, cohesion, Factor of safety.

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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1|Page
1.1 OVERVIEW

“Analysis of slope stability is an essential part of any opencast mining operation during the full

life of the project. In Indian mining scenario, slope design rules are not yet framed for different

types of mining practices, and there is an increasing need to develop strategies to maintain safety

while increasing production. Still now, many of the designing methods are mostly based on field

knowledge and rules of thumb followed by critical engineering judgment. In last few decades,

the concept of slope stability analysis have developed under the field of rock engineering mainly

to address the difficulties in designing and stability of excavated slopes.

In India, the number of functional opencast mines is on a continuous increase as compared to

underground mines, the reason being higher productivity, low gestation period, and quick rate

of investment. But the operation of opencast mines attracts a lot of environmental concerns such

as solid waste management, land degradation and socio-economic problems. Moreover, a large

number of opencast mines, whether large or small, are now a days trying to reach to deeper

mining depths. As a result, analysis of stability of working slopes and ultimate pit slope design

is becoming a major concern. Slope failure causes a loss in production, increased stripping cost

for recovery and handling of resulting failed material, need for dewatering the pits and

sometimes leading to mine abandonment or premature closure.

Maintaining pit slope angles that are as steep as possible is of great importance to the reduction

of stripping cost, which will have direct consequences on the cost of the mining operations.

Design of the final pit limit is not only governed by the ore grade distribution and the production

costs, but on the overall rock mass strength and stability as well. The potential for failure must

be assessed for every possible mining plans and it should be integrated into the design of the

ultimate pit.”

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In the view of the above, there is a strong need for good and proper practices in slope design and

management so that the suitable corrective actions can be taken to minimize any type of slope

failure beforehand.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of this project are as following:

o Understanding the different types of slope failures.

o Understanding the concept of “Factor of Safety”.
o Finding relations between different parameters and Factor of Safety.

Although FLAC/Slope is being used here, other software which can be used for numerical
analysis are:

 FLAC/Slope
 OASYS
 GALENA
 UDEC
 ROCFALL
 SLIDE
 SLOPE/W
 CLARA-W
 DIPS
 PFC2D/3D
 SVOFFICE
 GEO-STUDIO
 FLAC 3D
 ELFEN
 3DEC

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1.3 PROJECT METHODOLOGY

SETTING#UP#OBJECTIVE

REVIEW#OF#LITERATURE

STUDY#OF#SLOPE#AND#ITS#PARAMETERS

UNDERSTANDING#FLAC#AND#STUDY#OF#
MANUAL

MODELLING#OF#SLOPE#USING#FLAC#AND
#COMPARING#CHANGE#IN#FOS#WITH#CHA
NGE#IN#PARAMETERS

RESULTS,#DISCUSSIONS,#CONCLUSION#AN
D#SCOPE#FOR#FUTURE#WORK

Fig. 1.1 Project Methodology

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1.4 OUTLINE OF REPORT
“Taking after the introduction chapter, in Chapter 2, a broad portrayal of financial aspects of

open pit mining, slope stability, failure mechanisms and failure modes, the slope stability

calculation and the different method of analysis are discussed.

“Following that, in Chapter 3, numerical modelling using FLAC/Slope is described, beginning

with FLAC’s overview and followed by summary of features and then analysis procedures. The

models generated using FLAC are displayed in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 contains the result,

conclusion and the scope for further work. “

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Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
6|Page
2.1 Introduction to open pit slopes

“If the mineral deposits are mined from the surface and downward, then the process is called

open pit mining. During the process, slopes are formed due to the downward direction of pit. It

is not possible all the time to maintain vertical slopes which are stable enough or pit walls which

are high enough even in very hard and strong rock. Consequently, pit slopes must be inclined at

some angle. The angle of this inclination must be sufficient so that there is no failure in the rock.

This angle is thus governed by the local geological factor at any mine and it gives an upper bound

to the overall slope angle. But the actual slope angle used in mines may be lower than this and it

depends upon:”

i. Presence of haulage roads or ramps for transportation.

ii. Possible damage due to blasting.

iii. Grade of ore

iv. Economic constraints

Following figure shows the different parameters used for an opencast mines.

W#-#width of bench
H#-##height of bench
α#-#Slope of bench
β#-#overall slope of pit

Fig. 2.1 Open pit slope parameters

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2.2 Slope Stability

It is one of the greatest problem which any open cast mine encounters. Scale of this problem is

divided in:

 Gross stability problem: It refers to the overall problem of stability of major parts of

slope due to large shear failure and it generally occurs in deeply weathered rock.

 Local stability problem: It refers to problem which is much lower in scale and it

generally doesn’t affect more than a couple of benches at one time. It mainly occurs

due to shear plane joints or slope erosion due to surface drainage.

Knowing the different failures, the factors affecting them and slope stability techniques is vital

to study the different type and scale of failure. Further discussion is based on these parameters.

2.3 Factors affecting Slope Stability

Following factors affect slope stability:

 Slope Geometry

 Geology and geological structure

 Ground water

 Lithology

 Dynamic forces

 Method of mining and equipment used

 Angle of internal friction

 Cohesion

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2.3.1 Slope Geometry

“Height, overall slope angle and area of failure surface are the elementary geometrical slope

design parameters. Slope stability decreases sharply if the height of slope increases. The chances

of development of failure to the rear of the crest increases on increasing the overall slope angle

and it has to be considered so that any kind of ground deformation can be avoided at the mine

peripheral area. Under normal circumstances, an overall slope angle of 45° is considered safe by

the DGMS. The curvature of the slope also has intense effect on the instability. Convex section

of slopes should be avoided in slope design. Higher and steeper the slope, lower is the stability.”

2.3.2 Geological Structure

The main geological structure affecting the stability of the slopes in any open cast mines are:

1. Amount and direction of the dip

2. Intra-formational shear zones

3. Joints and discontinuities

a. Reduce shear strength

b. Change permeability

c. Act as sub-surface drain and plains of failure

4. Faults

a. Weathering and alteration along the faults

b. Act as ground water conduits

c. Provides a probable plane of failure

“Instability can occur if strata dips in the excavations. Faults provide a release plane which is

either lateral or rear of very low strength and hence the strata is highly disturbed. If some kind

of clay or soil band comes in between two rock bands, the stability is highly hindered. Bedding

planes and joints also provides surface of weakness. Slope stability also depends on the available

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shear strength along the surface, their orientation in relation to the slope and water pressure

action on the surface. The shear strength that can be mobilized along joint surface depending on

the functional properties of the surface and the effective stress which are transmitted normal to

the surface. Joints can create a situation where a combination of joint sets provides a cross over

surface.”

2.3.3 Lithology

“The rock materials forming a pit slope determines the rock mass strength modified by

discontinuities, folding, faulting, past workings and weathering. Low rock mass strength is

characterized by circular; ravelling and rock fall instability like the formation of slope in

massive sandstone restrict stability. Pit slopes having alluvium or weathered rocks at the surface

have low shearing strength and the strength gets further reduced if water seepage takes place

through them. These types of slopes must be flatter.”

2.3.4 Ground water

The presence of ground water causes following altercations is the strata:

o It alters the friction and cohesion parameters.

o It reduces the normal effective stress

“It can cause increase in up thrust and driving forces and has a highly adverse effect on the

stability of slopes. Physical as well as chemical effect of water in joints can alter friction and

cohesion of discontinuity surface. Physical effect reduces the shearing resistance along a plane

of failure by providing uplift on the joints and reducing the frictional resistance and hence

reducing the effective normal stress.”

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2.3.5 Mining method and equipment
Generally, following 4 methods are used for advancement in open cast mines:

o Strike cut-advancing down the dip

o Strike cut-advancing up the dip

o Dip cut-along the strike

o Open pit working

“Using the method of dip cuts with advance on the strike direction reduces the length and time

interval that a face is exposed during the excavation process. Dip cuts with high angle to strike

should be used to decrease the strata dip in the excavation and provides the most stable method

of working with low production. Open cast method are applied in steeply dipping seams, due to

the large slope height, are more susceptible to large slab or buckling failure. The mining

equipment which are installed on the benches of an open pit mine increases the surcharge load

which maximise the force which tends to slope failure. In the case of overburden mainly circular

failure occurs.”

2.3.6 Dynamic forces

“Shear stress is increased due to the vibration caused by blasting process, it maximise the

dynamic acceleration of material which in turn causes instability in the slope plane. This

accelerates the ground movement results in fracturing of rocks. .”

Due to the blasting process bench face angles also increases. The effects of poor blasting

techniques incurs bench instability. Due to blast damage and back break, these factors also affect

the failure in rock mass i.e. the bench face angle, vibrations from blasting. For small scale slopes,

many smooth blasting techniques have been adopted to reduce these consequences. In case of

larger slopes, blasting has less adverse effects because of back break and blast damage of

benches on the stable overall slope angle. The high frequency waves produced due to the blasting

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process prohibit in the displacement process of large rock masses. Blasting-induced failures are

thus a small problem for large scale slopes. Seismic events, i.e., low frequency vibrations, are

more prone to large scale slope failures in mountain region.”

Together with all these causes external loading can also plays an important role when they are

present as in case of surcharge due to dumps on the crest of the benches. In high altitude areas,

freezing of water on slope faces can results in the build-up of ground water pressure behind the

face which again adds up to instability of the slope.

2.3.7 Angle of internal friction

“It is the angle between the normal force and the resultant force when the failure just occurs due

to shearing stress. The measure of the material able to withstand any amount of shear stress.

Factors are responsible for particle roundness, particle size and amount of quartz content in the

soil. More angle of internal friction infers that slope will be higher.”

2.3.8 Cohesion
The property of rock that measures to resists being deformed or broken by forces. It is also

caused by electrostatic forces in over associated clay or generally by negative capillary pressure

and pore pressure due to loading process. Slopes having less cohesion force is less in stable.

Factors affecting cohesive force are:

a. Friction

b. Stickiness of particles

c. Cementation of grains by calcite or silica

d. Man-made reinforcement

e. Water content

f. Repeated expansion or contraction due to wetting and drying.

g. Undercutting in slopes

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 h. Vibrations due to earthquake or blasting

2.4 Types of slope failure

Following are the different types of failure that a slope can undergo:

 Planar failure

 Wedge failure

 Circular failure

 Toppling failure

 Two block failure

2.4.1 Planar failure

The planar failure occurs when a discontinuity striking approximately parallel to the slope of the

bench and dipping at a lower angle intersects the slope of the bench, allowing the material above

the discontinuity to slide. Variation in the process can arise if the sliding plane is a combination

of joint sets developing a straight path.

Fig. 2.2 Planar failure

Analysis of a planar failure comprises study of geometry of the slope and following two cases

are considered:

a) Slope having tension crack in the upper face

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 b) Slope with tension crack in slope face.

While the upper surface is horizontal, transition from one condition to another follows when

tension crack coincides with slope crest. That is when

Z#–#Depth of tension crack

H#–#slope height
ψf#–#slope angle
ψp#–#dip of sliding plane

Fig. 2.3 Geometries of plane slope

failure

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“For the analysis, following assumptions are necessary:

a) Both tension crack and sliding surface of a bench strikes parallel to the face.

b) When the tension crack is vertical and filled with water to a depth ‘zw’.

c) Water enters the sliding surface along the base of the tension cracks and percolates

along the sliding surface, escaping at atmospheric pressure where the sliding surface

daylight in the slope faces.

d) The forces ‘W’ (weight of sliding block), ‘U’ (uplift force due to water pressure on the

sliding surface) and ‘V’ (force due to water pressure in the tension crack) all acts

through the centroid of the sliding mass.

e) The shear strength of the sliding surface is defined by cohesion ‘c’ and the friction

angle ‘φ ’ that are related by the equation

f) A wedge of unit thickness is considered and it is assumed that the release surfaces are

present so that there is no resistance to the sliding at the lateral boundaries of the

failure.”

Calculation of factor of safety

“The factor of safety of the plane failure is the ratio of the forces acting to keep the failure mass

in place (the cohesion times the area of the failure surface plus the frictional shear strength

determined using the effective normal stress on the failure plane) to the forces attempting to

drive the failure mass down; failure surface (the sum of the component of the weight, water

forces, and all other external forces acting along the failure surface). It is calculated by resolving

all forces acting on the on the potential failure mass in to directions parallel and normal to the

potential failure surface. The general factor of safety which results is:”

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 Where ‘c’ is cohesion and ‘A’ is the area of sliding plane.

The factor of safety for slope configuration in the given figure is:

Where ‘A’ is given by

The slope height ‘H’, the tension crack depth is ‘z’ and is located a distance ‘b’ behind the slope

crest. The dip above the crest is ‘ψs’. When the depth of water in the tension crack is ‘zw’, the

water forces acting on the sliding plane ‘U’ and in the tension crack ‘V’ are given by:

Where ‘γw’ is the unit weight of water.

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The weight of the sliding block for geometries shown in figure is given by:

And for the tension crack in the slope face

Where ‘γr’ is the unit weight of the rock.

2.4.2 Wedge failure

“The three dimensional wedge failures occur when two discontinuities intersects in such a way

that the wedge of material, formed above the discontinuities, can slide out in a direction parallel

to the line of intersection of the two discontinuities. It is particularly common in the individual

bench scale but can also provide the failure mechanism for a large slope where structures are

very continuous and extensive.”

Fig. 2.4 Wedge failure

“

When two discontinuities strike obliquely across the slope face and their line of intersection

‘daylights’ in the slope, the wedge of the rock resting over these discontinuities will slide down

along the line of intersection provided the inclination of these line is significantly greater than

the angle of friction and the shearing component of the plane of the discontinuities is less than

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the total downward force. The total downward force is the downward component of the weight

of the wedge and the external forces (surcharges) acting over the wedge.”

“The wedge failure analysis is based on satisfying the equilibrium conditions of the wedge. If

‘w’ be the weight of the wedge, the vector ‘w’ can be divided into two components in the parallel

and normal directions to the joint intersection,

The vector ‘N’ in the Fig. 2.6 is divided into two components ‘N1’ and ‘N2’, normal to the joint

set surfaces 1 and 2, respectively as follows:”

In Fig. 2.5 the equilibrium conditions in the directions x and y are as follows:

Fig. 2.5 Conditions of effective forces in the wedge failure analysis

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 Fig. 2.6 Plane normal to the intersection of joint sets 1 and 2

The forces ‘N1’ and ‘N2’ can be obtained from the Equations. (12), (13), and (14) as follows:

Where,

Calculation of the angles α1 and α2

“In Fig. 2.7 the line CC’ is the intersection line of two joint surfaces 1 and 2. The segment OH is

drawn vertically in the normal plane passing through the line of intersection CC’. Fig. 2.6 is

drawn in the three-dimensional view as the triangle ABH’. From the point O the segment OH’

normal to the intersection is drawn. The plane ABH’ is the plane normal to the intersection CC’

at point H’. From the points H and A on plane 1, two lines are drawn so that the first one is

parallel to the strike and the second one is in the direction of dip line.”

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 Fig. 2.7 The geometry of the sliding wedge

These two lines intersect at point E. EO’ is drawn parallel and with the same size as HO. The

quadrilateral OO’EH is rectangle. Using the geometric and trigonometric relationships in the

triangles H’OA, OO’A, and O’AE, the angles α1 and α2 are obtained from the following

equation.

“It can be shown in the same way that tanα2 = cos θ cos γ2 tan d2 where HO = EO’, ∠EAO’ =

∠d1, ∠OAH` = ∠α1, ∠OBH` = ∠α2, ∠HOH` = ∠θ, and ∠OAO` = ∠γ1 in which ‘d1’ and ‘d2’ are

the slope angles of the joint set 1 and 2, respectively. The angles ‘γ1’ and ‘γ2’ are the angle

between the dip directions of joint sets 1 and 2 and the strike of the plane normal to intersection

line, respectively.”

The factor of safety can be calculated from the equation given below:

Where,

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The internal frictions of the intact rock ‘Ør1’ and ‘Ør2’ and the cohesion coefficients of the intact

rock ‘Cr1’ and ‘Cr2’ are determined from the triaxial compressive tests and using the Mohr–

Coulomb criterion. The correction factor for the effect of intact rock specimen diameter on the

cohesion coefficients could also be included. The internal friction angles of the joint sets 1 and

2 surfaces ‘φj1’ and ‘φj2’ are obtained from the shear tests on the polished rock joint specimens.

The irregularity angles ‘i1’ and ‘i2’ are determined from the direct measurements on the rock

outcrops using the stereographic projections of the joint sets 1 and 2.

2.4.3 Circular failure

“The pioneering work, in the beginning of the century, in Sweden confirmed that the surface of

the failure in spoil dumps or soil slopes resembles the shape of a circular arc. This failure can

occurs in soil slopes, the circular method occurs when the joint sets are not very well defined.

When the material of the spoil dump slopes are weak such as soil, heavily jointed or broken rock

mass, the failure is defined by a single discontinuity surface but will tend to follow a circular

path.”

The conditions under which circular failure occurs are as follows:

a. When the individual particles of soil or rock mass, comprising the slopes are small as

compared to the slope.

b. When the particles are not locked as a result of their shape and tend to behave as soil.

Fig. 2.8 Circular failure

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Types of circular failure

“Circular failure is generally classified in three types depending on the area that is affected by

the failure surface. They are:

a) Slope failure: In this type of failure, the arc of the rupture surface meets the slope above

the toe of the slope. This happens when the slope angle is very high and the soil close to

the toe possess the high strength.

b) Toe failure: In this type of failure, the arc of the rupture surface meets the slope at the

toe.

c) Base failure: In this type of failure, the arc of the failure passes below the toe and in to

base of the slope. This happens when the slope angle is low and the soil below the base

is softer and more plastic than the soil above the base.”

2.4.4 Two block failure

“Two block failures are much less common mode of rock slope failure than single block failures

such as the planes and the 3D wedge and, consequently, are only briefly considered here. Several

methods of solution exist and each may be appropriate at some level of investigation.”

2.4.5 Toppling failure

“Toppling or overturning has been recognized by several investigators as being a mechanism of

rock slope failure and has been postulated as the cause of several failures ranging from small to

large ones. It occurs in slopes having near vertical joint sets very often the stability depends on

the stability of one or two key blocks. Once they are disturbed the system may collapse or this

failure has been postulated as the cause of several failures ranging from small to large size. This

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type of failure involves rotation of blocks of rocks about some fixed base. This type of failure

generally occurred when the hill slopes are very steep.”

Fig. 2.9 Toppling failure

2.5 Factors to be considered in assessment of stability

2.5.1 Ground Investigation

“Before any further examination of an existing slope, or the ground on which a slope is to be

built, essential borehole information must be obtained. This information will give details of the

strata, moisture content and the standing water level and shear planes. Piezometer tubes are

installed into the ground to measure changes in water level over a period of time. Ground

investigations also include:-“

o In-situ and laboratory,

o Aerial photographs,

o Study of geological maps and memoirs to indicate probable soil conditions

o Visiting and observing the slope

2.5.2 Most Critical Failure Surface

“In homogeneous soils relatively unaffected by faults or bedding, deep seated shear failure

surfaces tend to form in a circular, rotational manner. The aim is to find the most critical surface

using "trial circles".”

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The method is as follows:

 A series of slip circles of different radii is to be considered but with same centre of

rotation. Factor of Safety (FOS) for each of these circles is plotted against radius, and the

minimum FOS is found.

 This should be repeated for several circles, each investigated from an array of centres.

The simplest way to do this is to form a rectangular grid from the centres.

 Each centre will have a minimum FOS and the overall lowest FOS from all the centre

shows that FOS for the whole slope. This assumes that enough circles, with a large

spread of radii, and a large grid of centres have been investigated.

 An overall failure surface is found.

Fig. 2.10 & Fig. 2.11 shows variety of slope failure circles analysed at varying radii from a single

centre and variation of factor of safety with critical circle radius respectively.

Fig. 2.10 Variety of slope failure circles analysed at varying radii from a single centre

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 Fig. 2.11 Variation of factor of safety with critical circle radius

2.5.3 Tension cracks

“A tension crack at the head of a slide suggests strongly that instability is imminent. Tension

cracks are sometimes used in slope stability calculations, and sometimes they are considered to

be full of water. If this is the case, then hydrostatic forces develop as shown in Fig. 2.12. Tension

cracks are not usually important in stability analysis, but can become so in some special cases.

Therefore assume that the cracks don't occur, but take account of them in analysing a slope which

has already cracked.”

Fig. 2.12 Effect of tension crack at the head of a slide

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2.5.4 Submerged Slopes
“When an external water load is applied to a slope, the pressure it exerts tends to have a

stabilizing effect on the slope. The vertical and horizontal forces due to the water must be taken

into account in analysis of the slope. Thus, allowing for the external water forces by using

submerged densities in the slope, and by ignoring water externally.”

2.5.5 Factor of Safety

The FOS is chosen as a ratio of the available shear strength to that required to keep the slope

stable.

Table 2.1 Guidelines for slopes

FACTOR OF SAFETY DETAILS OF SLOPE

<1.0 Unsafe

1.0 1.25 Questionable Safety

1.25 - 1.4 Satisfactory for routine cuts and fills

Questionable for dams, or where failure
would be catastrophic
>1.4 Satisfactory for dams

For highly unlikely loading conditions, factors of safety can be as low as 1.2-1.25, even for dams.

E.g. situations based on seismic effects, or where there is rapid drawdown of the water level in

a reservoir.

2.5.6 Progressive failure

“This is the term describing the condition when different parts of a failure surface reach failure

at different times. This often occurs if a potential failure surface passes through a foundation

material which is fissured or has joints or pre-existing failure surfaces. Where these fissures

occur there will be large strain values, so the peak shear strength is reached before other places.”

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2.5.7 Pre-existing failure surface

“If the foundation on which a slope sits contains pre-existing failure surfaces, there is a large

possibility that progressive failure will take place if another failure surface were to cut through

them. The way to deal with this situation is to assume that sufficient movement has previously

taken place for the ultimate state to develop in the soil and then using the ultimate state

parameters. If failure has not taken place, then a decision has to be made on which parameters to

be used.”

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 Chapter 3
INTRODUCTION TO FLAC

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3.1 Introduction
“Many rock slope stability problems involve complexities relating to geometry, material

anisotropy, non-linear behaviour, in situ stresses and the presence of several coupled processes

(e.g. pore pressures, seismic loading, etc.). Advances in computing power and the availability

of relatively inexpensive commercial numerical modelling codes means that the simulation of

potential rock slope failure mechanisms could, and in many cases should, form a standard

component of a rock slope investigation.”

Numerical methods of analysis used for rock slope stability may be conveniently divided into

three approaches: continuum, discontinuum and hybrid modelling. Table 2 provides a summary

of existing numerical techniques.

Analysis Critical Input

Advantages Limitations
method Parameters
“Allows for material “Users must be well
deformation and failure. trained, experienced
Can model complex and observe good
behaviour and modelling practice.
mechanisms. Capability of Need to be aware of
3-D modelling. Can model model/software
effects of groundwater limitations (e.g.
and pore pressures. Able boundary effects,
to assess effects of mesh
Continuum “Representative slope parameter variations on aspect ratios,
Modelling geometry; constitutive instability. Recent symmetry, hardware
criteria (e.g. elastic, advances in computing memory restrictions).
(e.g. Finite
elasto-plastic, creep hardware allow complex Availability of input
Element, etc.); groundwater models to be solved on data generally poor.
Finite characteristics; shear PC’s with reasonable run Required input
Difference strength of surfaces; times. Can incorporate parameters not
Method) in situ stress state.” creep deformation. Can routinely measured.
incorporate dynamic Inability to model
analysis.” effects of highly
jointed
- 30 -
analysis. rock. Can be
difficult to
perform sensitivity
analysis due to run
time”
Representative slope Allows for block As above,
Discontinuum
and discontinuity deformation and experienced
Modelling geometry; intact movement of blocks user required to
(e.g. Distinct constitutive criteria; relative to each other. Can observe

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 Element, discontinuity stiffness model complex behaviour good modelling
Discrete and shear strength; and mechanisms practice. General
Element groundwater (combined material and limitations similar to
Method) characteristics; in situ discontinuity behaviour those listed above.
stress state. coupled with Need to be aware of
hydromechanical scale effects. Need to
and dynamic simulate
analysis). Able to assess representative
effects of parameter discontinuity
variations on instability. geometry
(spacing, persistence,
etc.). Limited data on
joint properties
available.
“Coupled finiteelement/ “Complex problems
distinct element require high memory
models able to simulate capacity.
“Combination of input
intact fracture propagation Comparatively little
Hybrid/Coupled parameters listed
and fragmentation of practical experience
Modelling above for stand-alone
jointed and bedded media.” in
models.”
use. Requires ongoing
calibration and
constraints.”

Table 3.1 Numerical method for analysis

3.1.1 Continuum modelling

“Continuum modelling is best suited for the analysis of slopes that are comprised of massive,

intact rock, weak rocks, and soil-like or heavily fractured rock masses. Most continuum codes

incorporate a facility for including discrete fractures such as faults and bedding planes but are

inappropriate for the analysis of blocky mediums. The continuum approaches used in rock slope

stability include the finite-difference and finite-element methods. In recent years the vast

majority of published continuum rock slope analyses have used the 2-D finite-difference code,

FLAC. This code allows a wide choice of constitutive models to characterize the rock mass and

incorporates time dependent behaviour, coupled hydro-mechanical and dynamic modelling.

Two-dimensional continuum codes assume plane strain conditions, which are frequently not

valid in inhomogeneous rock slopes with varying structure, lithology and topography. The

recent advent of 3-D continuum codes such as FLAC3D and VISAGE enables the engineer to

undertake 3-D analyses of rock slopes on a desktop computer. Although 2-D and 3-D continuum

30 | P a g e
codes are extremely useful in characterizing rock slope failure mechanisms it is the

responsibility of the engineer to verify whether they are representative of the rock mass under

consideration. Where a rock slope comprises multiple joint sets, which control the mechanism

of failure, then a discontinuum modelling approach may be considered more appropriate.”

3.1.2 Discontinuum modelling

“Discontinuum methods treat the rock slope as a discontinuous rock mass by considering it as

an assemblage of rigid or deformable blocks. The analysis includes sliding along and

opening/closure of rock discontinuities controlled principally by the joint normal and joint shear

stiffness. Discontinuum modelling constitutes the most commonly applied numerical approach

to rock slope analysis, the most popular method being the distinct-element method.

Distinctelement codes such as UDEC use a force-displacement law specifying interaction

between the deformable joint bounded blocks and Newton’s second law of motion, providing

displacements induced within the rock slope.

UDEC is particularly well suited to problems involving jointed media and has been used

extensively in the investigation of both landslides and surface mine slopes. The influence of

external factors such as underground mining, earthquakes and groundwater pressure on block

sliding and deformation can also be simulated.”

3.1.3 Hybrid Techniques

“Hybrid approaches are increasingly being adopted in rock slope analysis. This may include

combined analyses using limit equilibrium stability analysis and finite-element groundwater

flow and stress analysis such as adopted in the GEO-SLOPE suite of software. Hybrid numerical

models have been used for a considerable time in underground rock engineering including

coupled boundary-/finite-element and coupled boundary-/distinct-element solutions. Recent

advances include coupled particle flow and finite-difference analyses using FLAC3D and

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PFC3D. These hybrid techniques already show significant potential in the investigation of such

phenomena as piping slope failures, and the influence of high groundwater pressures on the

failure of weak rock slopes. Coupled finite-/distinct-element codes are now available which

incorporate adaptive remeshing. These methods use a finite-element mesh to represent either the

rock slope or joint bounded block. This is coupled with a discrete -element model able to model

deformation involving joints. If the stresses within the rock slope exceed the failure criteria

within the finite-element model a crack is initiated. Remeshing allows the propagation of the

cracks through the finite-element mesh to be simulated. Hybrid codes with adaptive remeshing

routines, such as ELFEN, have been successfully applied to the simulation of intense fracturing

associated with surface mine blasting, mineral grinding, retaining wall failure and underground

rock caving.”

3.2 General Approach of FLAC

“The modelling of geo-engineering processes involves special considerations and a design

philosophy different from that followed for design with fabricated materials. Analyses and

designs for structures and excavations in or on rocks and soils must be achieved with relatively

little site-specific data, and an awareness that deformability and strength properties may vary

considerably. It is impossible to obtain complete field data at a rock or soil site. “

Since the input data necessary for design predictions are limited, a numerical model in

geomechanics should be used primarily to understand the dominant mechanisms affecting the

behaviour of the system. Once the behaviour of the system is understood, it is then appropriate

to develop simple calculations for a design process.

It is possible to use FLAC directly in design if sufficient data, as well as an understanding of

material behaviour, are available. The results produced in a FLAC analysis will be accurate

32 | P a g e
when the program is supplied with appropriate data. Modellers should recognize that there is a

continuous spectrum of situations.

“The model should never be considered as a “black box” that accepts data input at one end and

produces a prediction of behaviour at the other. The numerical “sample” must be prepared

carefully, and several samples tested, to gain an understanding of the problem. Following steps

are recommended to perform a successful numerical experiment:”

3.2.1 Define the objectives for the model analysis

“The level of detail to be included in a model often depends on the purpose of the analysis. For

example, if the objective is to decide between two conflicting mechanisms that are proposed to

explain the behaviour of a system, then a crude model may be constructed, provided that it allows

the mechanisms to occur. It is tempting to include complexity in a model just because it exists in

reality. However, complicating features should be omitted if they are likely to have little

influence on the response of the model, or if they are irrelevant to the model’s purpose. Start

with a global view and add refinement if necessary.”

3.2.2 Create a conceptual picture of the physical system

“It is important to have a conceptual picture of the problem to provide an initial estimate of the

expected behaviour under the imposed conditions. Several questions should be asked when

preparing this picture. For example, is it anticipated that the system could become unstable? Is

the predominant mechanical response linear or nonlinear? Are movements expected to be large

or small in comparison with the sizes of objects within the problem region? Are there well-

defined discontinuities that may affect the behaviour, or does the material behave essentially as

a continuum? Is there an influence from groundwater interaction? Is the system bounded by

physical structures, or do its boundaries extend to infinity? Is there any geometric symmetry in

the physical structure of the system?”

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These considerations will dictate the gross characteristics of the numerical model, such as the

design of the model geometry, the types of material models, the boundary conditions, and the

initial equilibrium state for the analysis. They will determine whether a three-dimensional model

is required, or if a two-dimensional model can be used to take advantage of geometric conditions

in the physical system.

3.2.3 Construct and run simple idealized models

“When idealizing a physical system for numerical analysis, it is more efficient to construct and

run simple test models first, before building the detailed model. Simple models should be created

at the earliest possible stage in a project to generate both data and understanding. The results can

provide further insight into the conceptual picture of the system; Step 2 may need to be repeated

after simple models are run.

Simple models can reveal shortcomings that can be remedied before any significant effort is

invested in the analysis. For example, do the selected material models sufficiently represent the

expected behaviour? Are the boundary conditions influencing the model response? The results

from the simple models can also help guide the plan for data collection by identifying which

parameters have the most influence on the analysis.”

3.2.4 Assemble problem specific data

The types of data required for a model analysis include:

o Details of geometry

o Location of geological structure

o Material behaviour

o Initial conditions

o External loading

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3.2.5 Prepare a series of detailed model runs
“Most often, the numerical analysis will involve a series of computer simulations that include

the different mechanisms under investigation and span the range of parameters derived from the

assembled database. When preparing a set of model runs for calculation, several aspects, such

as those listed below, should be considered:”

I. “How much time is required to perform each model calculation? It can be difficult to

obtain sufficient information to arrive at a useful conclusion if model runtimes are

excessive. Consideration should be given to performing parameter variations on

multiple computers to shorten the total computation time.”

II. “The state of the model should be saved at several intermediate stages so that the entire

run does not have to be repeated for each parameter variation. For example, if the

analysis involves several loading/unloading stages, the user should be able to return to

any stage, change a parameter and continue the analysis from that stage.”

III. Are there a sufficient number of monitoring locations in the model to provide for a clear

interpretation of model results and for comparison with physical data? It is helpful to

locate several points in the model at which a record of the change of a parameter (such

as displacement) can be monitored during the calculation.

3.2.6 Perform the model calculations

“It is best to first make one or two model runs split into separate sections before launching a

series of complete runs. The runs should be checked at each stage to ensure that the response is

as expected. Once there is assurance that the model is performing correctly, several data files

can be linked together to run a complete calculation sequence. At any time during a sequence of

runs, it should be possible to interrupt the calculation, view the results, and then continue or

modify the model as appropriate.”

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3.2.7 Present results for interpretation

“The final stage of problem solving is the presentation of the results for a clear interpretation of

the analysis. This is best accomplished by displaying the results graphically, either directly on

the computer screen, or as output to a hardcopy plotting device. The graphical output should be

presented in a format that can be directly compared to field measurements and observations.

Plots should clearly identify regions of interest from the analysis, such as locations of calculated

stress concentrations, or areas of stable movement versus unstable movement in the model. The

numeric values of any variable in the model should also be readily available for more detailed

interpretation by the modeller.”

3.3 Overview

“FLAC/Slope is a mini-version of FLAC that is designed specifically to perform factor-of-safety

calculations for slope stability analysis. This version is operated entirely from FLAC’s graphical

interface (the GIIC) which provides for rapid creation of models for soil and/or rock slopes and

solution of their stability condition.

FLAC/Slope provides an alternative to traditional “limit equilibrium” programs to determine

factor of safety. Limit equilibrium codes use an approximate scheme — typically based on the

method of slices — in which a number of assumptions are made (e.g., the location and angle of

interslice forces). Several assumed failure surfaces are tested, and the one giving the lowest

factor of safety is chosen. Equilibrium is only satisfied on an idealized set of surfaces. In

contrast, it provides a full solution of the coupled stress/displacement, equilibrium and

constitutive equations. Given a set of properties, the system is determined to be stable or

unstable. By automatically performing a series of simulations while changing the strength

properties, the factor of safety can be found to correspond to the point of stability, and the critical

failure (slip) surface can be located.”

36 | P a g e
“FLAC/Slope does take longer to determine a factor of safety than a limit equilibrium program.

However, with the advancement of computer processing speeds (e.g., 1 GHz and faster chips),

solutions can now be obtained in a reasonable amount of time. This makes FLAC/Slope a

practical alternative to a limit equilibrium program, and provides advantages over a limit

equilibrium solution:”

1. Any failure mode develops naturally, there is no need to specify a range of trial surfaces

in advance.

2. No artificial parameters need to be given as input.

3. Multiple failure surfaces evolve naturally, if the conditions give rise to them.

4. Structural interaction is modelled realistically as fully coupled deforming elements, not

simply as equivalent forces.

5. The solution consists of mechanisms that are kinematically feasible.

3.4 Analysis Procedure

“FLAC/Slope is specifically designed to perform multiple analyses and parametric studies for

slope stability projects. The structure of the program allows different models in a project to be

easily created, stored and accessed for direct comparison of model results. A FLAC/Slope

analysis project is divided into four stages which is described below:”

a. Model Stage

“Each model in a project is named and listed in a tabbed bar in the Models stage. This

deleted from it at any time in the project study. Models can also be restored (loaded) from

allows easy access to any model and results in a project. New models can be added to the

tabbed bar or previous projects and added to the current project. The slope boundary is

also defined for each model at this stage.”

37 | P a g e
 b. Build Stage

“For a specific model, the slope conditions are defined in the Build stage. This includes:

changes to the slope geometry, addition of layers, specification of materials and weak

plane, application of surface loading, positioning of a water table and installation of

reinforcement. Also, spatial regions of the model can be excluded from the factor-of-

safety calculation. The build-stage conditions can be added, deleted and modified at any

time during this stage.”

c. Solve Stage

“In the Solve stage, the factor of safety is calculated. The resolution of the numerical

mesh is selected first (coarse, medium and fine), and then the factor-of-safety calculation

is performed. Different strength parameters can be selected for inclusion in the strength

reduction approach to calculate the safety factor. By default, the material cohesion and

friction angle are used.”

d. Plot Stage

“After the solution is complete, several output selections are available in the Plot stage

for displaying the failure surface and recording the results. Model results are available

for subsequent access and comparison to other models in the project. All models created

within a project, along with their solutions, can be saved, the project files can be easily

restored and results viewed at a later time.”

38 | P a g e
 Chapter 4
NUMERICAL MODELLING

39 | P a g e
Parametric studies were conducted through numerical models (FLAC/Slope) to study the effect

of cohesion (6000-12000 Pa) and friction angle (20°-30° at the interval of 2°). The dimension of

the example slope are as follows.

Fig. 4.1 Model slope used in the project

The material used in modelling are:

o The bottom layer is sandstone with following properties
Density = 2700 kg/m3
Cohesion = 2.7x107 Pa
Tension = 1.2x106 Pa
Frictional angle = 27.8°
o The upper two layers are low plasticity clay and mixture of gravel and sand
respectively from top and bottom. The properties are as follows:
Low plasticity clay
Density = 1900 kg/m3
Cohesion = varied
Friction = varied

40 | P a g e
 Gravel and Sand

Density = 2000 kg/m3

Cohesion = 5000 Pa
Friction = 38°
Some of the experimental results from FLAC are given below.

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 Fig. 4.2 FLAC models of some numerical models

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The various experiments conducted and the results are as follows:

Cohesion value of top layer Friction angle of top layer Factor of Safety
6000 Pa 20° 0.91
22° 0.92
24° 0.97
26° 1.03
28° 1.09
30° 1.21

8000 Pa 20° 0.92

22° 0.97
24° 1.03
26° 1.08
28° 1.14
30° 1.20

10000 Pa 20° 1.03

22° 1.08
24° 1.13
26° 1.19
28° 1.25
30° 1.31

12000 Pa 20° 1.12

22° 1.13
24° 1.19
26° 1.25
28° 1.31
30° 1.44

Table 4.1 Experimental Results

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 Fig. 4.3 Angle of friction vs. FOS

Fig. 4.4 Cohesion vs. FOS

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Chapter 5
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
45 | P a g e
5.1 Results
 “Based on Table 4.6 it is concluded that as the cohesion and angle of internal friction

increases, the factor of safety increases. As the cohesion increases, the binding property

enhances which makes the slopes stable. High water content can weaken cohesion

because abundant water both lubricates and adds weight to a mass. Moreover alternating

expansion by wetting and contraction by drying of water reduces strength of cohesion.”

 “While running the numerical model FLAC/Slope it was observed that factor of safety

changes with change in the resolution of the numerical mesh (coarse, medium and fine).

In case of coarse mesh the factor of safety is quite approximate, while in fine mesh the

factor of safety converges to the nearest possible value making it more accurate.

However, calculation in coarse mesh is faster than in fine mesh. So depending upon the

requirement and time availability of modeller, the mesh has to be selected.”

5.2 Conclusion

“Opencast mining is a very cost-effective mining method allowing a high grade of

mechanization and large production volumes. Mining depths in open pits have increased

steadily during the last decade which has the increased risk of large scale stability problems. It

is necessary to assess the different types of slope failure and take cost effective suitable measures

to prevent, eliminate and minimize risk.”

“The different types of the slope stability analysis techniques and software are available for

slope design. Numerical modelling is a very versatile tool and enables us to simulate failure

behavior and deforming materials. FLAC/Slope is user friendly software which is operated

entirely from FLAC’s graphical interface (the GIIC) and provides for rapid creation of models

for soil/rock slopes and solution of their stability condition. Moreover it has advantages over a

limit equilibrium solution like any failure mode develops naturally; there is no need to specify a

range of trial surfaces in advance and multiple failure surfaces (or complex internal yielding)”

46 | P a g e
“evolve naturally, if the conditions give rise to them. In this project, an attempt has been made

to get acquaintance with the powerful features of FLAC/Slope in analysis and design of stable

slopes in opencast mines.

“The parametric study which was carried by varying the cohesion, angle of internal friction and

ultimate slope angle showed that with increase in ultimate slope angle, the factor of safety

decreases. Moreover cohesion and angle of internal friction are quite important factors affecting

slope stability. With increase in both the parameters the stability increases. Conduct of slope

stability assessment in Indian mines is mostly based on empirical and observational approach;

hence effort is made by statutory bodies to have more application of analytical numerical

modelling in this field to make slope assessment and design scientific. This will ensure that

suitable corrective actions can be taken in a timely manner to minimize the slope failures and the

associated risks.”

5.3 Scope for future work

“For the parametric studies, only cohesion and friction angle have been considered. However

this study can be reached out to individual bench angles where all the benches may not be of

same height. The conditions assumed during this analysis are such that there is no effect of water

table and geological disturbances. Along with cohesion and friction angle other parameters like

effect of geological disturbances, water table and blasting can be carried out. For slope stability

analysis other numerical models such as UDEC and Galena can also be used in order to compare

the sensitivity and utility of the different software.”

47 | P a g e
REFERENCES

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 1. Bauer, A. & Calder, P.N. (1971), “The Influence and Evaluation of Blasting on

Stability”, In Stability in Open Pit Mining, Proc. 1st International Conference on

Stability in Open Pit Mining (Vancouver, November 23-25, 1970), New York: Society

of Mining Engineers, A.I.M.E, pp. 83-94.

2. Bieniawski, Z.T. (1984), “Input Parameters in Mining”, Rock Mechanics Design in

Mining and Tunneling, A.A. Balkema, Netherland, Edition-8, pp.55-92.

3. Call, R. D. & Savely, J. P. (1990), “Open Pit Rock Mechanics”, In Surface Mining, 2nd

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860-882.

4. Call, R. D., Nicholas, D.E. & Savely, J.P. (1976), “Aitik Slope Stability Study”, Pincock,

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145-167

8. Goodman, R.E. (1975), “Introduction to Rock Mechanics”, John Wiley & sons, U.S.A.,

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Trans. Instn. Min. Metall. (Sect. A: Min. industry), 79, pp. A109-A132.

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 11. Hoek, E. & Bray, J.W. (1980), “Rock Slope Engineering”, Institute of Mining &

Metallurgy, London, pp.45-67.

12. Itasca. (2001), “FLAC Version 5.0. Manual”, Minneapolis: ICG.

13. Nordlund, E. & Radberg, G. (1995). “Bergmekanik. Kurskompendium”, Tekniska

Hogskolan iLulea, pp. 191.

14. Sage, R., Toews, N. Yu, Y. & Coates, D.F., (1977) “Pit Slope Manual Supplement 5-2

— Rotational Shear Sliding: Analyses and Computer Programs”, CANMET (Canada

Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology), CANMET REPORT 77-17, 92 p.

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16. Zhang, Y., Bandopadhyay, S., Liao, G. (1989), “An Analysis of Progressive Slope

Failures in Brittle Rocks”, Int. J. of Surface Mining, Vol. 3, pp.221-227.

17. http://www.rocscience.com/products/slide/Speight.pdf

18. http://geoinfo.usc.edu/bardet/reports/Journal_papers/5simplex.pdf

19. http://www.infomine.com/publications/docs/Brawner1997.pdf

20. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/1333/1/10505020.pdf

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