Purpose. To create and study a three-dimensional geomechanical model in order to determine the parameters of the open-pit walls and benches, ensuring safe and economically feasible mining, as well as predicting unstable zones within the open pit. Methods. A comprehensive methodological approach is used, including a systematic analysis of scientific, normative and methodological literature; analyzing the results of previously performed studies on the object; engineering-geological surveys in the near-edge rock mass of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit; laboratory testing of rock strength properties; determining the rock mass rating according to the MRMR classification; kinematic analysis of bench faces; calculating the stability of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit final boundary using the limit equilibrium method; numerical modeling of the rock mass stress-strain state at the Kurzhunkul’ deposit using the finite element method. Findings. The paper represents the results of data collection and analysis for the development of a geomechanical model of an operating iron-ore open pit in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Comprehensive geomechanical studies to substantiate the optimal parameters of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit walls and benches on the limiting contour, as well as calculations to determine the degree of the open-pit walls and benches stability have been performed. Based on the results of studying the geological-structural configuration of the deposit, as well the mathematical modeling data of stability and acting stresses, subsequently entered into a unified digital database, weakened zones have been identified. Originality. For the first time, the geomechanical model has been created for the conditions of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit, which makes it possible to combine in one database all the parameters that affect the safety of mining operations. The model takes into account structural disturbances of the rock mass that have an adverse impact on stability. Practical implications. The developed model gives a visual representation of the rock mass state at various sites of the deposit, simplifies the selection of design sections for stability calculations, facilitates the choice of optimal technical solutions and analysis, especially for complex geological structures with multiple geotechnical or geological units with different texturing and inclination.
The main factor that determines the stability of the pit benches in rocky and semi-rocky rocks is geological and structural since potential collapse prisms of a particular configuration are formed by differently oriented ruptured faults (cracks) with certain spatial relationships between themselves and the pit surface. Evaluation of possible planar, wedge-shaped, and overturning collapses of individual benches is carried out by analyzing the parameters of structural disturbances identified within the rock mass of the studied section of the open pit relative to the orientation of open pit edges. The article presents the results of the analysis of the kinematic stability of the optimal parameters of the benches on the example of the Kurzhunkul open pit, which ensures their stability on the limiting contour. A sequence of actions is proposed for determining the stability parameters of rock benches in a quarry. Performing a kinematic analysis based on the identified systems of cracks allows us to determine the probable failure patterns of the slopes of the benches and select the calculation schemes for their stability to substantiate their optimal parameters and make decisions on their stabilization. Geological and structural zoning of the quarry space according to this method allows analyzing the holding capacity of safety berms to control detected collapses, to highlight benches that need to be brought into a safe state with the determination of their stable parameters, and to recommend options for optimizing the design profile.
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