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3D large-scale numerical model of open-pit lake slope stability—case study of Lake Most

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Abstract

Almost all post-exploitation open pit mines in the world are shaped as a final water reservoir. One of the main hazards is the slope stability of lake banks. To develop a reliability methodology for assessing the long-term stability of flooded open-pit lake, a back analysis was conducted using 2D and 3D large-scale numerical models of Lake Most, which is one of the largest mining lakes in Europe (Czech Republic). The large-scale numerical model was built, based on the site observations, large scale LiDAR data, in situ characterisation tests, and statistical analysis of geotechnical data, on DTMs defining the complex geology of the site and on numerous piezometric levels to build the water table. Local and global safety factor (SF) were calculated using the strength reduction method. The results highlighted the reliability of the methodology to combine the geometric model with the geological model to create a large-scale numerical model, to identify local and potentially instable zones, and to highlight the role of a weak contact layer. The calculation of 3D SF has shown a very good correlation between the lowest SF and the ground movement observations noted by the Czech authorities.

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Funding

This work has received funding from the European Union’s Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). under the project “Risk Assessment of final Pits during Flooding (RAFF)”. No 847299.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut national de l’environnement industriel et des risques (Ineris), 54042, Nancy, France

    Vincent Renaud & Marwan Al Heib

  2. Vyzkumny Ustav Pro Hnede Uhli (VUHU), tr. Budovatelu 2830/3, 434 01, Most, Czech Republic

    Jan Burda

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  1. Vincent Renaud
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Contributions

Vincent Renaud: geometrical, geological, and geotechnical models; code writing; data processing; statistical analysis; bibliographic research; and writing original draft. Marwan Al Heib: writing review, bibliographic research, and result analysis. Jan Burda: collecting data, map production, bibliographic research, and writing review. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Vincent Renaud.

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Renaud, V., Al Heib, M. & Burda, J. 3D large-scale numerical model of open-pit lake slope stability—case study of Lake Most. Bull Eng Geol Environ 81, 282 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-02771-3

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