Stability and probabilistic assessment of a large asymmetric bedding slope with a weak interlayer

Abstract

The mining of open-pit mines has a significant influence on the surrounding ecological environment and safety. Once the slope of an open pit is unstable, it will bring extremely severe disasters to the surrounding environment. The south slope of the Fushun West open-pit mine is a large bedding slope with weak interlayer and asymmetrical features between the eastern and western regions. The different deformation mechanisms are worth further discussion, and the deformation mechanism of the eastern region needs to be systematically investigated. In this study, a comprehensive method combining a numerical model, the limit equilibrium method, and a probabilistic approach is used. The different deformation mechanisms of the slope are explored. Thereafter, the sensitivity of the geometric and mechanical parameters of the slope is determined. Finally, the probability of failure (PF) and slope stability are evaluated. The results illustrate that the difference in geological characteristics and constraint conditions is the fundamental reason for the difference in deformation features of the slope. The sensitivity analysis results show that the friction angle of the weak layer exhibits the most sensitivity and that the unit weight is irrelevant to the slope stability. Taking the friction angle of the weak layer as a variable, when the thickness of the basalt layer is less than 140 m and the height of the slope is more than 360 m, the PF of the slope reaches a high value. When the inclination of the weak layer exceeds 30°, the PF of the slope increases to a high value. When the R_u coefficient exceeds 0.2, the slope presents a high PF. The results illustrate that decision-makers should pay attention to the strength degradation, transitional mining of the basalt layer, and establish a good drainage system. The comprehensive method can also provide an effective way to assess the stability and PF of similar large-scale bedding slopes under complex geological conditions.

Keywords: Asymmetric complex condition; Failure probability of slope; Large bedding slope; Stability evaluation.