Material Properties Affecting the Stability of a 50-Year-Old Rock Dump in an211 Active Mine

摘要

Material properties affecting slope stability were measured in a large 50-year-211u001eold, partially consolidated rock dump located in an active open-pit mine. Field 211u001etests included single-ring infiltration and density. In addition, a nuclear depth-211u001emoisture gauge was used to measure water content in six stainless-steel-cased 211u001edrillholes on the crest and an upper bench of the rock dump. Precipitation, 211u001eevaporation, wind speed, and direction, and temperature data were collected at a 211u001eweather station installed on the dump's crest. Laboratory tests included particle-211u001esize distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, and water content. By 211u001emeasuring material properties of a rock dump presumed to be stable, the safety of 211u001eminers working on or at the toe of old rock dumps constructed of similar material 211u001eand located in a similar climate can be assessed.