Back-analysis of ductile slope failure mechanisms and validation with aerial photogrammetry, InSAR and GbRAR to proactively manage economic risks to protect the mine plan

Abstract

Slope stability modeling techniques and deformation monitoring technology has significantly improved in the last decades. Integration between modelling and monitoring is becoming seamless enabling practicing geotechnical engineers to validate their stability models with actual slope performance data. This paper presents a case study demonstrating the use of aerial photogrammetric settlement analysis, satellite and ground-based radar data from a ductile slope failure mechanism on an overburden stockpile to validate a geotechnical model applied in 3D limit equilibrium analysis. Following the calibration of 3D models, stockpile design options are reviewed to minimize instability risks to ensure safety and protect the mine plan.