Marek Cała

The influence of normal fault on initial state of stress in rock mass

Abstract Determination of original state of stress in rock mass is a very difficult task for rock mechanics. Yet, original state of stress in rock mass has fundamental influence on secondary state of stress, which occurs in the vicinity of mining headings. This, in turn, is the cause of the occurrence of a number of mining hazards, i.e., seismic events, rock bursts, gas and rock outbursts, falls of roof. From experience, it is known that original state of stress depends a lot on tectonic disturbances, i.e., faults and folds. In the area of faults, a great number of seismic events occur, often of high energies. These seismic events, in many cases, are the cause of rock bursts and damage to the constructions located inside the rock mass and on the surface of the ground. To estimate the influence of fault existence on the disturbance of original state of stress in rock mass, numerical calculations were done by means of Finite Element Method. In the calculations, it was tried to determine the influence of different factors on state of stress, which occurs in the vicinity of a normal fault, i.e., the influence of normal fault inclination, deformability of rock mass, values of friction coefficient on the fault contact. Critical value of friction coefficient was also determined, when mutual dislocation of rock mass part separated by a fault is impossible. The obtained results enabled formulation of a number of conclusions, which are important in the context of seismic events and rock bursts in the area of faults.

Inclinometer monitoring system for stability analysis: the western slope of the Bełchatów field case study

Abstract The geological structure of the Bełchatów area is very complicated as a result of tectonic and sedimentation processes. The long-term exploitation of the Bełchatów field influenced the development of horizontal displacements. The variety of factors that have impact on the Bełchatów western slope stability conditions, forced the necessity of complex geotechnical monitoring. The geotechnical monitoring of the western slope was carried out with the use of slope inclinometers. From 2005 to 2013 fourteen slope inclinometers were installed, however, currently seven of them are in operation. The present analysis depicts inclinometers situated in the north part of the western slope, for which the largest deformations were registered. The results revealed that the horizontal displacements and formation of slip surfaces are related to complicated geological structure and intensive tectonic deformations in the area. Therefore, the influence of exploitation marked by changes in slope geometry was also noticeable.

Stability analysis of underground mining openings with complex geometry

Abstract Stability of mining openings requires consideration of a number of factors, such as: geological structure, the geometry of the underground mining workings, mechanical properties of the rock mass, changes in stress caused by the influence of neighbouring workings. Long-term prediction and estimation of workings state can be analysed with the use of numerical methods. Application of 3D numerical modelling in stability estimation of workings with complex geometry was described with the example of Crystal Caves in Wieliczka Salt Mine. Preservation of the Crystal Caves reserve is particularly important in view of their unique character and the protection of adjacent galleries which are a part of tourist attraction included in UNESCO list. A detailed 3D model of Crystal Caves and neighbouring workings was built. Application of FLAC3D modelling techniques enabled indication of the areas which are in danger of stability loss. Moreover, the area in which protective actions should be taken as well as recommendations concerning the convergence monitoring were proposed.

What Were the Reasons for the Rapid Landslide Occurrence in “Piaseczno” Open Pit? – Analysis of the Landslide Process

Abstract Landslides are major natural hazards occurring in opencast mining. The problem of slope stability failure in the existing open pit mines as well as in those which are at a stage of technical closure is current issue in Poland and all over the world. This problem requires conducting in-depth and meaningful analysis which will identify the causes of processes characterized by a very rapid course and large extent. The paper presents the analysis of the landslide causes, which took place on May 11, 2011 on the western slope of the internal dump in “Piaseczno” sulphur mine (at a stage of technical closure). It was the first native sulphur open pit mine in Poland in which the exploitation was carried out from 1958 untill 1971. Reclamation works have been ongoing since 2005. The aim of these works is to create water body which will be used for recreational purposes. During the reclamation works on the western slope of “Piaseczno” reservoir the landslide processes were activated. A detailed description of geology and preliminary analyses of landslide processes are given in [1]. The development of landslide took place in a very violent manner. Moreover, the occurrence of the landslide caused the movement of the reservoir shoreline by about 350 meters and created a bay with the area of approximately 6 hectares. Displacement of 600 000 m3 of soil masses under the water resulted in its level rising by 56 cm. The total volume of ground masses was over 1 million m3. The analysis of the landslide process activation was carried out for two representative cross-sections of the internal dump. Numerical calculations were performed using the Limit Equilibrium Method (SLOPE/W GeoStudio) and the Finite Difference Method using the Shear Strength Reduction Method (FLAC Slope). They were aimed at determining the shape and extent of potential slip surface, which would correspond to the observed landslide. The purpose of the analysis, the results of which are presented in the article, was to define how the process proceeded and what factors contributed to its activation.

SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS OF WASTE DUMP IN SANDSTONE OPEN PIT OSIELEC

Abstract This paper presents the slope stability analysis for the current as well as projected (final) geometry of waste dump Sandstone Open Pit “Osielec”. For the stability analysis six sections were selected. Then, the final geometry of the waste dump was designed and the stability analysis was conducted. On the basis of the analysis results the opportunities to improve the stability of the object were identified. The next issue addressed in the paper was to determine the proportion of the mixture containing mining and processing wastes, for which the waste dump remains stable. Stability calculations were carried out using Janbu method, which belongs to the limit equilibrium methods.