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Fares Belgueliel
Fares Belgueliel
Postgraduate Student
University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Mining and Geology Department
Postgraduate Student
University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Mining and Geology Department
Bejaia
Algeria

Articles

Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-07-25
  • Date accepted
    2024-05-02
  • Online publication date
    2024-05-29
  • Date published
    2024-08-26

Finite element analysis of slope failure in Ouenza open-pit iron mine, NE Algeria: causes ‎and lessons for stability control

Article preview

Slope failures in mining engineering pose significant risks to slope stability control, necessitating a thorough investigation into their root causes. This paper focuses on a back analysis of a slope failure in the Zerga section of the Ouenza – Algeria open-pit iron mine. The primary objectives are to identify the causes of slope failure, propose preventive measures, and suggest techniques to enhance stability, thereby providing crucial insights for monitoring slope stability during mining operations. The study commenced with a reconstruction of the slopes in the affected zones, followed by a numerical analysis utilizing the Shear strength reduction method within the Finite element method (SSR-FE). This approach enables the examination of slope stability under both static and dynamic loads. The dynamic load assessment incorporated an evaluation of the vibrations induced by the blasting process during excavation, introducing seismic loading into the finite element analysis. The findings reveal that the primary triggering factor for the landslide was the vibration generated by the blasting process. Furthermore, the slope stability was found to be critically compromised under static loads, highlighting a failure to adhere to exploitation operation norms. The challenging geology, particularly the presence of marl layers where maximum shear strain occurs, contributed to the formation of the landslide surface. The study not only identifies the causes of slope failure but also provides valuable lessons for effective slope stability management in mining operations.

How to cite: Belgueliel F., Fredj M., Saadoun A., Boukarm R. Finite element analysis of slope failure in Ouenza open-pit iron mine, NE Algeria: causes ‎and lessons for stability control // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 268. p. 576-587. EDN XIQXNW