Slope stability assessment of an open pit using lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) modeling approach

Discontinuity waviness is one of the most important properties that influence shear strength of jointed rock masses, and it should be incorporated into numerical models for slope stability assessment. However, in most existing numerical modeling tools, discontinuities are often simplified into planar surfaces. Discrete fracture network modeling tools such as MoFrac allow the simulation of non-planar discontinuities which can be incorporated into lattice-spring-based geomechanical software such as Slope Model for slope stability assessment. In this study, the slope failure of the south wall at Cadia Hill open pit mine is simulated using the lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) modeling approach. First, the slope model is calibrated using field displacement monitoring data, and then the influence of different discontinuity configurations on the stability of the slope is investigated. The modeling results show that the slope with non-planar discontinuities is comparatively more stable than the ones with planar discontinuities. In addition, the slope becomes increasingly unstable with the increases of discontinuity intensity and size. At greater pit depth with higher in situ stress, both the slope models with planar and non-planar discontinuities experience localized failures due to very high stress concentrations, and the slope model with planar discontinuities is more deformable and less stable than that with non-planar discontinuities. (C) 2020 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.