Mining Institute, Kola Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russia:

Rybin V. V., Leading Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences
Konstantinov K. N., Researcher, const@goi.kolasc.net.ru
Kalyuzhny A. S., Researcher

Rock mass adjacent to the Zhelezny open pit wall is composed of various rocks with different mechanical properties. The set of factors affecting the pit slope stability consists of natural and technological components. The study presents the results of the recent comprehensive studies into visual, experimental and analytical assessment of slope stability of the Zhelezny open pit wall and its structural elements. The stress state was studied by the stress relaxation method in the form of end measurements. The results of the long-term investigation allowed zoning of the pit wall rock mass at the ultimate pit limits in terms of stresses and revealed higher stability of the open pit wall at the deeper levels as against the absolute elevation of ± 0 m and above. The studies of mining-induced disturbance by a set of instrumental methods confirm slope stability in the north and at the deep levels of the pit wall. In order to determine elastic characteristics of adjacent rock mass, the specialists performed 6 cycles of periodic observations by the seismic tomography method, which, together with visual observations and zoning by the level of the effective stresses, confirmed the unfavorable geomechanical condition in the east of the Zhelezny open pit wall. The geomechanical state of the Zhelezny pit wall rock mass was analytically assessed using SVSlope software. The assessment proved critical state of some areas in the pit wall rock mass. To maintain stable final pit slopes, it seems reasonable to minimize the impact of adverse factors as well as to perform geomechanical monitoring of slope stability using a set of methods. This approach can be applied at other mineral object developed by the open geotechnology under complicated geotechnical and geological conditions.

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the following authors: V. Rybin, K. Konstantinov and A. Kalyuzhny and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

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