Three-Dimensional Simulation Stability Analysis of Slopes from Underground to Open-Pit Mining

• Published in: Minerals (Basel) 2023-03, Vol.13 (3), p.402
• Main Authors: Li, Shuai, Zhao, Zeming, Hu, Boyi, Yin, Tubing, Chen, Gong, Chen, Guohui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D analysis; Analysis; Anniversaries; Digital simulation; Dimensional stability; finite element analysis; Geology; Mechanics; Metals; Methods; Mineral industry; Mining; Mining accidents & safety; Mining industry; Monitoring; Nonferrous metals; Occupational health and safety; Open pit mining; open-pit mine; Safety; Simulation; Simulation analysis; Simulation methods; Slope stability; Stability analysis; Stress state; Tensile strength; Tensile stress; Three dimensional analysis; Two dimensional analysis; Underground mines; Underground mining
• ISSN: 2075-163X; 2075-163X
• DOI: 10.3390/min13030402

The stability of mine slopes is an important factor influencing the orderly production of mines and the safety of people’s lives and property. The stability of slopes can be effectively determined by means of three-dimensional simulation analysis. Some 3D simulation analysis methods are based on 2D analysis, and are still essentially 2D analysis methods, whereas this digital simulation analysis uses a true 3D analysis method. This method can reflect the overall slope stability of the mine in a more realistic way, and at the same time, the situation of the selected sections can be observed, making the analysis more scientific and rigorous. This study takes the Shizhuyuan Nonferrous Metal Mine as an example and studies the safety stability of mine slopes through true 3D safety analysis. The results show that the open-pit slopes of the Shizhuyuan mine are stable. The overall model results show that there is only a small amount of tensile damage and no penetration; the section results show that the absolute value of tensile stress is generally small, with a maximum of 1.45 MPa being less than the tensile strength of the material (7.04 MPa). After the model monitoring simulation, it is found that the displacements of each monitoring point are in the process of fluctuation and then stabilisation, which can also indicate that the slope is finally in a stable state. Comparing the above results with the conclusions obtained from the 2D analysis method, the conclusions are found to be in general agreement, indicating that the true 3D simulation analysis method is effective and feasible.