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Mining Publication: Applications of the Point Estimation Method for Stochastic Rock Slope Engineering
Keywords: Benches Numerical modeling Slope design Slope stability Slopes
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated. Contact NIOSH Mining if you need an accessible version.
Original creation date: June 2004
Authors: SM Miller, JK Whyatt, EL McHugh
Conference Paper - June 2004
Download PDF Document (1.68 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20026098
Gulf Rocks 2004: Proceedings, Rock Mechanics Across Borders & Disciplines, 6th North American Rock Mechanics Conference, June 5-10, 2004, Houston, Texas. Report No. ARMA/NARMS 04-517. Alexandria, VA: American Rock Mechanics Association, 2004 Jun; :1-12
The point estimation method can be applied to the safety factor (SF) equation for any specified rock slope failure mode (such as plane shear, step path, or wedge) to obtain reliable estimates of the mean and standard deviation of the SF probability distribution. A gamma probability density function is recommended for modeling this probability distribution, because it allows only for positive values and is flexible enough to provide symmetrical shapes and right-skewed, exponential-type shapes for the SF distribution. The mean and standard deviation define this distribution, which then can be integrated numerically from 0 to 1 to obtain the probability of sliding, PS (portion of the SF distribution where SF < 1.0). The overall probability of failure, PF, for the potential slope failure mass is the joint probability that the rock discontinuities are long enough to allow kinematic failure (PL) and that sliding occurs along the rock discontinuities (PS); that is, PF = PSPL. This method for estimating the probability of sliding is extremely efficient computationally, and thus, expedites slope stability simulation routines used by NIOSH software to stochastically describe rock slope behavior and assist the engineer in designing catch benches for large rock slopes. Enhanced bench design translates into increased operational efficiency and safer working conditions in open pit mines and quarries.
Image of publication Applications of the Point Estimation Method for Stochastic Rock Slope EngineeringConference Paper - June 2004
Download PDF Document (1.68 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20026098
Gulf Rocks 2004: Proceedings, Rock Mechanics Across Borders & Disciplines, 6th North American Rock Mechanics Conference, June 5-10, 2004, Houston, Texas. Report No. ARMA/NARMS 04-517. Alexandria, VA: American Rock Mechanics Association, 2004 Jun; :1-12
See Also
Analysis of Bench Crest Performance at the Yellowstone Mine: A Case Study
Applications of Ground-Based Radar to Mine Slope Monitoring
Applications of Ground-Based Radar to Mine Slope Monitoring
Assessing and Monitoring Open Pit Mine Highwalls
Coal Rib Response During Bench Mining: A Case Study
Current Research on Slope Movement in Mines: Use of Hyperspectral Imagery
Detecting Problems With Mine Slope Stability
Evaluating Techniques for Monitoring Rock Falls and Slope Stability
Highwall Safety: Rockfall Catchment Design and Slope Performance Monitoring at Surface Mines and Quarries
NIOSH Computer Programs for Bench Crest Failure Analysis in Fractured Rock
Slope Stability
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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