Review of radar system performance and estimation of slope deformation threshold values for the Leveäniemi open pit

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu | Master's thesis

Date

2018-10-29

Department

Major/Subject

Mining Engineering

Mcode

ENG3077

Degree programme

European Mining, Minerals and Environmental Programme (EMMEP)

Language

en

Pages

69+9

Series

Abstract

Slope stability is crucial for safety in operations during open pit mining. A slope failure could influence the environment, lead to human injuries and economic losses. To ensure proper management and mitigation of the stability problems it is necessary to provide accurate slope designs and constant and accurate slope monitoring procedures. There are many techniques that are used for the slope monitoring. One of the most effective methods is the slope stability radar (SSR) technology. It allows for 24 h per day, real-time monitoring of slopes in all-weather condition. The SSR covers a large expanse of the wall slope and can detect deformations within the slopes well before slope failure occurs. This makes the SSR as an effective tool for an early warning signal for an impending slope failure. One of the requirements is the availability of the line of sight between the SSR and the monitored wall. This study aims at reviewing the threshold values for input into a slope stability radar which is being installed at the one of Svappavaara open pit’s- Leveäniemi open pit, for monitoring slope stability. The Leveäniemi open pit is located near Svappavaara in Swedish Lapland and is a part of LKAB. Threshold values are difficult to set as they depend on so many rock mass properties and pit geometry, which in turn also change from place to place (site-specific). Around the world, many mines use radar systems for the protection of slopes and avoidance of slope failure. Therefore, the threshold value for the Leveäniemi open pit will be estimated using other case studies. An expected outcome of the research is a range of deformation at which the SSR will give an early warning signal against a likely failure in the pit slopes. Moreover, the study will determine operating procedures for the radar system to be installed and establish a smooth reporting system for the data gathered through the radar.

Description

Supervisor

Rinne, Mikael

Thesis advisor

Banda, Sraj

Keywords

slope stability radar, Leveäniemi open pit, threshold value, slope monitoring

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