Factors influencing the flooding process of former coal open-pits

Abstract

Purpose. This study aims to identify the main factors that influence the flooding process of the remaining gaps of open-pits comprising essentially the velocity and duration of flooding, but also the stability of in situ and dump slopes during and after the flooding and the water quality in order to ensure the takeover of the future function of the land as soon as possible and the safety of objects and local communities. Methods. Establishing the three categories of factors that influence from a quantitative and qualitative point of view the flooding of the remaining gaps of the open pits. Analysis of the key factors in the flooding process of the remaining gaps, in terms of their contribution to reducing or increasing the flood duration and to reducing or increasing the stability reserve of different types of slopes. Findings. The interdependence and cumulative action of factors that influence the flooding process of remaining gaps and the stability of in situ and dump slopes materializes in worsening the strength characteristics of rocks and changing the state of stress and deformations in the rock mass. Originality. The paper provides a detailed description of the key factors and the interactions between these and their in-fluence on the flooding process, stability, and the factor of safety. Their influence and interactions are highlighted through a case study conducted at the Peșteana mining perimeter level. Practical implications. The flooding of the remaining gaps can cause loss of slope stability during and after the flooding process. Unexpected geotechnical phenomena such as landslides, liquefaction, suffosis, rock falls and/or the water quality of the pit lake can be hazardous to natural and/or anthropic objects and local communities. Safety is essential. Therefore, this study suggests taking into account the most important factors that influence the flooding process when evaluating the floo-ding possibility of remaining gaps. Engineers, researchers, mine planers, local authorities, and students will have essential information and will know when and where special attention will be needed in the case of flooding of former open-pits.

A framework for assessing hazards related to pit lakes – application on European case studies

“…The anks of the old open pit mine or/and the deposits of material, such as dumps, heaps, or back ll, form the lake's borders (Commander et al, 1994). They provide socio-economic opportunities and bene ts for the mining regions (Lazar et al, 2019).…”

Stability Analysis of an Unstable Slope in Chongqing Based on Multiple Analysis Methods

“…Huang et al [14] developed a rock contour establishing algorithm to evaluate the impact of rock distribution on slope stability. Lazar et al [15] determined three types of factors affecting the flooding of open pits remaining void from quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Key factors in the process of residual interstitial flooding were analyzed and its contribution to reducing or increasing the flood duration and the stability reserves of different types of slopes was analyzed.…”

Studying the interaction process of a solid particles flow with the hydraulic classifier flowing part

“…Thus, to justify the rational parameters of the apparatus for the gravitational processing of granular materials in a horizontal flow, it is sufficient to simulate the movement of solid particles which have a size withing the separation range expected values [4,5].…”