Dip slope analysis and parameter uncertainty – Case history and practical recommendations

Characterization of bi-planar and ploughing failure mechanisms in footwall slopes using numerical modelling

“…As previously stated, the assumed geometry in this paper is based on Alejano et al (2011) who used frictional plasticity theory originally suggested by Fisher and Eberhardt (2007) to calculate toe breakout in footwall slope modelling using UDEC (Itasca, 2012). Fig.…”

“…The UDEC studies previously discussed (Stead and Eberhardt, 1997;Fisher and Eberhardt, 2007;Alejano et al, 2011) were carried out using a conventional approach in which footwall failure was modelled as the movement of slabs along slope parallel and cross-cutting discontinuities. Failure of the joint-bounded blocks was limited to elasto-plastic yield and large deformations, with no capability to simulate brittle fracture and fragmentation.…”

“…Based on the analysis of footwall slopes at the Quintette Coal Mine in northern British Columbia and Westfield Opencast Coal Mine in the UK, they introduced a numerical approach to analyse different footwall failure modes using continuum (finite difference) and discontinuum (distinct element) methods. Fisher and Eberhardt (2007) carried out similar distinctelement modelling together with limit equilibrium analyses to provide practical recommendations for the stability evaluation of footwall slopes. Tannant and LeBreton (2007) surveyed a steep footwall slope at Grande Cache coal mine using terrestrial photogrammetry before and after its failure to investigate slope deformation and ultimate failure Engineering Geology 178 (2014) [109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120] mechanisms.…”