Scale Effects and the Hoek-Brown D Factor in Rock Slope Stability Analysis

The slope angle for mine pit walls has a significant impact on both the economics and the amount of waste material generated during mining operations. Rational engineering design methods and their input parameters (i.e., rock mass strength) are critical to determination of efficient, but safe slope angles. Although there are well-establish rock engineering approaches to rock slope design, there are some limitation in our understanding of the effect of slope height (i.e., scale effects) on the strength of a jointed “rock mass.” This research project will be comprised of a review of the current state-of-the-art and execution of a computer simulation program to determine if a relation exists between the size of rock mass “blocks” within the rock slopes and the thickness of the failure zone within the slope (scale). The results will provide guidance towards a more rational means to account for rock mass strength relative to slope height.

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrew Corkum

Student:

Partner:

BGC Engineering Inc (NS)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: