Geotechnical study and optimum pit slope design of the Ashok coal opencast project

摘要

The paper deals with the geotechnical study and optimum ultimate pit slope design of Ashok opencast project with special reference to the highwall stability of slopes created by surface miner. It was also aimed to know the influence of slope design parameters on the safety factor by sensitivity analysis. Geotechnical mapping was done on the exposed benches of the surface mine as per the norms of International Society of Rock Mechanics. The different geo-medhanical properties of lithological units were determined. The failure analysis was done by GALENA software based on limit equilibrium method and optimum slope design was recommended. The geotechnical study was conducted for the optimum ultimate pit slope design of the highwall slopes at Ashok opencast project. The mine is producing 6.5 million tonnes per year. It is located in Jharkhand state of India and being mined by Coal India Ltd. The coal is of non-coking category and is suitable for use in powerhouses.