Three Dimensional Slope Stability Analysis of Open Pit Mine

Abstract

The 3-dimensional slope stability analysis has been developing rapidly since the last decade, and currently a number of geomechanical researchers in the world have put forward ideas for optimization of slope design related to the economics and safety of mining operations. The 3-dimensional slope stability analysis methods has answered the assumption of spatial parameters in determining safety factors and the failure probability, thus the volume of failed material and the location of the most critical slopes can be determined. This chapter discusses two methods of 3-dimensional slope stability analysis, namely the limit equilibrium method (LEM) and finite element method (FEM). LEM 3D requires an assumption of failure type with the variable of analysis are the maximum number of columns, the amount of grid points, increment radius, and type of slip surface. On the other hand, FEM 3D requires an assumption of convergence type, absolute force and energy, with the variable of analysis are mesh type and maximum number of iterations. LEM 3D shows that the cuckoo algorithm is reliable in obtaining position and shape of slip surface. Meanwhile FEM 3D, the optimum iteration number needs to be considered to improve analysis efficiency and preserving accuracy.