Mr. Abdul Samson

Mr. Abdul Samson

Author

Mining

8 publications

Mr. Abdul Samson is currently studying a PhD in Mining Engineering at the Copperbelt University. His major research interests are to do with slope stability analyses in consideration of Toppling failure mechanisms. He holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Geotechnics from the University of Exe...

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Analytical and Numerical Modelling of the Efects of Buttressing on Slide‑Head Toppling Failure

Journal Article
Published 4 months ago, 250 views
Author
Mr. Abdul Samson
Co-authors
Victor Mwango Bowa, Peter R. K. Chileshe, Sydney Chinyanta, Ebelia Manda
Abstract
Buttressing is a widely employed control measure for mitigating slope failure in various settings such as open pit mines, road
sections, dams, and hilly or rocky terrains. This paper presents a study on the effects of buttressing specifically concerning slide-head toppling failure, considering the potential counter-tilting of the failure plane within the rock mass. Drawing
insights from a case study of slide-head toppling in Zambia, our investigation employs both analytical (limit equilibrium)
and numerical (3DEC software) modelling techniques. The analytical and numerical models exhibit notable similarities in
their schematics and overall results, revealing a subtle effect of buttressing in controlling slide-head toppling failure. Despite
the seemingly minimal impact, sensitivity analysis indicates that variations in buttress parameters could enhance its overall
resistance against failure. Preliminary results suggest that an increase in the overall volume of the buttress, achieved through
adjustments in height or horizontal length, correlates with an improved effectiveness of slope failure control. Further considerations have also been made for possibility of counter-tilting of the failure plane within the rockmass during slide-head toppling failure. This study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced role of buttressing in slope stability, with implications
for optimizing buttress design parameters. While the overall findings suggest a modest influence of buttressing on slide-head
toppling failure, further discussions delve into the specific implications and potential refinements for practical applications.
Year of Publication
2024
Journal Name
Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
Volume
41
Issue
3
Page Numbers
1-17
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