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Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications
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Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications; 1995; v. 10; p. 321-334;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.ENG.1995.010.01.28
© 1995 Geological Society of London

Section 5: Excavations and slopes

Influence of geological structures in slope stability analyses for opencast mining and quarry excavations

R. Cojean

École des Mines de Paris, Centre de Géologie de l'Ingénieur, 60 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75272 Paris Cedex 06, France

The influence of structural features on slope stability in rock masses is analysed, with particular reference to opencast mining and quarrying. Various failure mechanisms are illustrated at different scales. The primary importance of the method of modelling rock masses is highlighted, with discussion about the need to emphasize either the continuous or discontinuous properties of the rock masses. The choice of mechanical parameters for the joints, as well as the rock material, is significant and a slight variation may alter the mode of failure of the slope. There is therefore a need for further investigation into the geological description and mechanical analysis of rock masses. In many instances, sound judgement by an experienced engineering geologist is required to identify the relevant features of the rock mass and to assess the mechanical behaviour that may operate.