Sensitivity analysis of nickel haul road embankment slopes using the coefficient of variation approach

Abstract

Purpose. The behavior of slope instability is influenced by many factors, both internal, such as the physical-mechanical properties of materials, and external, such as rain and seismic activity. Sensitivity analysis is used to determine the parameters that have the greatest impact on the level of slope stability. Methods. Sensitivity analysis of embankment slopes uses the coefficient of variation (CV) approach with input parameters namely cohesion and internal friction angle. Findings. The results of the study confirm that the internal friction angle is the most influential parameter on the embankment slope stability. The evidence is that at the highest percentage of CV, there is the highest probability of avalanches, based on these parameters. Originality. In this research, the coefficient of variation method is used to determine which parameters have heterogeneous data distribution and the greatest probability of failure, as well as to test mechanical sensitivity with the concept of changing the percentage of parameters to a safety factor value to validate calculations using the coefficient of variation approach. Practical implications. The sensitivity analysis results are not only limited to values, since the more important is finding out the cause of the influence of these parameters according to field conditions. The reason why the internal friction angle is the most sensitive parameter is the grain size approach, when the limestone mixture in the field has coarse and large grain sizes. Therefore, the surface tends to form rough waves and causes the relatively large grained rocks to have large internal friction angles.

Intervention Works Conducted to Ensure the Stability of a Slope: A Sustainability Study

“…In this direction, Saptono and Rezky conducted a case study in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, to analyze the sensitivity of embankment slopes, using the coefficient of variation (CV) approach, mainly following the most important physical parameters, namely the internal friction angle and cohesion. The study's findings provide data showing that the internal friction angle has the greatest impact on the stability of embankment slopes and highlights the fact that for the highest value of the variation coefficient CV, there is a serious risk of producing an avalanche [18]. Another relevant case study for geotechnical engineering was conducted in Algeria, where Boubazine et al investigated the occurrence of landslides in the Tarzoust region, based on geophysical approaches.…”

Substantiation of the Direction for Mining Operations That Develop under Conditions of Shear Processes Caused by Hydrostatic Pressure

“…Mining of mineral raw materials in difficult conditions of shear processes under the influence of hydrostatic pressure should be performed taking into account technologies that meet the following requirements: the use of special techniques and methods for performing blasting operations that will ensure the minimization of seismic impact on adjacent facilities, including mine workings that are in a stressed state [30,31]; maximum use of the mined-out open-pit space and complete mining of mineral resources [32,33]; the use of rational transportation schemes that minimize the specific energy intensity of the rock mass transportation processes [34]; ensuring dewatering of the mined-out space and drainage operatrions, which to the greatest extent ensure the safe conduct of mining operations, taking into account the coefficient of the rock mass stability under the influence of hydrodynamic pressure during flooding of lower horizons [35,36], as well as the natural or close to it hydrological regime of the area without significant changes in the direction of supplying enterprises and the population with volumes of drinking and process water [37]; conducting reclamation and revitalization of lands disturbed by mining operations to the most environmentally acceptable landscapes of territories with their subsequent recreation [38,39]. It should also be noted that it is necessary to comply with the environmental aspects of mining operations, taking into account the development of clean technologies (Clean Coal Technologies) when mining deposits of different types of origin and using technologies for their mining [40,41].…”