• Bixley, Mark
• Whittall, John
• Kinakin, Derek
• Hodgkinson, Jane H.
• Juldz, Abai
• Wessels, Fanie
• Hassall, Maureen
• Marinoni, Oswald
• Creighton, Ashley
• Wines, David

Abstract

There is considerable uncertainty associated with pit slope design. Traditionally, uncertainty and risk have been managed via application of Design Acceptance Criteria (DAC) such as Factor of Safety determined from industry accepted guidance. Often there is little formal consideration or quantification of the uncertainty or reliability of the design, the reliability of design delivery, design risk and the effectiveness of the controls necessary to manage these risks. Sub-optimum designs can result in valuable ore being left in the ground and/or slope failures that can pose a significant risk to mining operations in terms of economic and safety risk with the potential for loss of life. Clear and effective communication of these factors to senior management and/or regulators can also be challenging.This paper provides an overview of research undertaken to develop an alternative approach to achieving a design that utilizes rigorous engineering-based assessment of risk and reward. This Reliability Based Design Acceptance Criteria (RBDAC) approach to pit slope design was derived from developing and testing prototype reliability and risk management methodologies. The assessed design reliability and risk rating are used to assess an appropriate Design Acceptance Criteria via a RBDAC matrix.The proposed RBDAC approach to open pit slope design provides an opportunity to capitalise on the latent value, in terms of cash flow and/or NPV through slope optimisation analyses that involve understanding the residual risk implications.

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy