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Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 24935

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Guest Editor
Built Environment Engineering Department, School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology, 1010 Auckland, The Netherlands
Interests: slope stability; ground improvement; slope monitoring; foundation design; optimization techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mining and geotechnical engineering are two critical research fields closely related in their study of the characteristics and behaviors of soil and rock. Due to the highly complicated and non-linear behavior of Earth’s materials, predicting the performance of natural and man-made geostructures is challenging in both of the abovementioned fields of research. Predictive modeling using artificial intelligence methods has been of great help to researchers in these fields in the past three decades. Using mathematical processes driven by the computational power of modern computers makes it possible for researchers to predict the future behavior or outcomes of a system, typically by analyzing historical data to find existing patterns. A mining or geotechnical engineer would identify and appropriately use predictive modeling to understand the behaviors, outcomes, and risks associated with a project and provide safe, cost-effective, and sustainable design solutions based on informed forecasts.

This Special Issue focuses on applying predictive models in mining and geotechnical engineering and invites submissions of cutting-edge research, case studies, and lessons learned through failures, including, but not limited to, analysis and prediction of properties and behavior of geomaterials, analyzing and monitoring slope stability, performing geotechnical hazard mapping and susceptibility analysis, studying seismic hazards and active tectonic zoning, identifying and treating contaminated and problematic soils, predicting ground settlement due to mining and tunneling activities, analyzing problems associated with the presence of water and modeling geo-problems related to climate change. Submissions using analytical, spatial, mathematical, and numerical models paired with artificial intelligence and optimization techniques, comparative studies between predictive and physical or numerical models, and comprehensive review studies are welcome.

Dr. Roohollah Kalatehjari
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 6937 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Fine-Layering of Tailings Dam on the Variation Pattern of Infiltration Lines
by Wenze Geng, Zhifei Song, Cheng He, Hongtao Wang and Xinyi Dong
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020950 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 769
Abstract
The type of soil and its compactness significantly influence its permeability coefficient, which in turn affects the drainage difficulty of soil pore water and the distribution of the infiltration line. However, current tailings dam models typically consider only a single soil layer instead [...] Read more.
The type of soil and its compactness significantly influence its permeability coefficient, which in turn affects the drainage difficulty of soil pore water and the distribution of the infiltration line. However, current tailings dam models typically consider only a single soil layer instead of taking into account the differences in soil types and compactness, resulting in a deviation between simulated results and actual conditions. To address this issue, this study proposes three models with a gradually increasing degree of layering refinement based on soil type and compactness. These models aim to simulate the variations in the infiltration line under three different strategies: constant head, rainfall, and drainage. The simulation results indicate that the average increase in the infiltration line of the three schemes after rainfall is 46.2%, 65.88%, 83.52%, respectively; the fitting percentages for each scheme of infiltration line after 720 days of drainage and the constant head stage are 72.38%, 88.27%, and 93.61%, respectively. It can be seen that the higher the refinement level of the layered model, the more sensitive it is to changes in the infiltration line. Furthermore, as the refinement level of the layered model increases, the simulation effect on the changes in the infiltration line improves, and the simulated results become more consistent with the actual situation. This finding provides a strategy and possibility for the study of the tailings dam’s infiltration lines, safety, and stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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18 pages, 10006 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Response of Site of Typical Soil–Rock Composite Strata in Changchun Induced by Shield Construction of Parallel Twin Tunnels
by Liyun Li and Aijun Yao
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020500 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 723
Abstract
Underground engineering construction will inevitably change the stress state of surrounding strata, which will force a negative impact on the surrounding environment, even leading to the large deformation and damage of some adjacent structures. With a focus on the deformation of a typical [...] Read more.
Underground engineering construction will inevitably change the stress state of surrounding strata, which will force a negative impact on the surrounding environment, even leading to the large deformation and damage of some adjacent structures. With a focus on the deformation of a typical soil–rock composite stratum site in the construction of Changchun Metro, relying on the shield construction of a parallel twin tunnel project between Northeast Normal University Station and Gong-Nong Square Station, which belongs to the Changchun Metro Line 1, the site deformation characteristics during the shield driving process of parallel twin tunnels were studied. Based on the data obtained from field monitoring and numerical simulation, ground settlement in shield driving was analyzed, the settlement trough was studied with the Peck formula, and the action of shield driving on the adjacent tunnel was discussed. Moreover, the influence range of shield driving was suggested, and the interaction between the twin tunnels with different axis spacings in shield driving was discussed. Some regular results obtained can provide support through data for similar projects in Changchun, China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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20 pages, 11738 KiB  
Article
Stability Assessment of the Dam of a Tailings Pond Using Computer Modeling—Case Study: Coroiești, Romania
by Florin Dumitru Popescu, Sorin Mihai Radu, Andrei Andras, Ildiko Brinas, Mihaela-Olga Marita, Mirela Ancuta Radu and Constantin Laurentiu Brinas
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010268 - 28 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 842
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities related to mining generate both progress and a vast amount of waste that is responsible for environmental degradation. The Jiu Valley is one of the areas of Romania where mining has affected large areas of land, used to build mines and [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic activities related to mining generate both progress and a vast amount of waste that is responsible for environmental degradation. The Jiu Valley is one of the areas of Romania where mining has affected large areas of land, used to build mines and tailings ponds. The former Coroiesti coal processing plant (CCPP) is such a location with a total area of 25 ha containing approximately 5.5 million tons of tailings. The assessment of the stability of tailings dams is extremely important from safety and environmental aspects. This study proposes a solution based on numerical methods for determining the stability of a section of the dam of a tailings pond. The model of tailings pond no. 1, compartment B, from the Coroieşti Coal Preparation was built using COMSOL Multiphysics. Two scenarios of stability analysis were conducted on a section of the tailings dam: the FOS was determined using the shear strength reduction (SSR) method for both the initial and the current state of this TP. This method is a modern alternative to the limit equilibrium method, and its implementation by COMSOL is new to our country, thus aligning this methodology with current worldwide trends and developments in the field. The results obtained proved to be in line with those calculated in the past with traditional analytical methods, proving that the safety criteria of the studied TP/TD are being met. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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23 pages, 13017 KiB  
Article
Verifying the Stability of the Working Fronts of Lignite Open Pits Developed in Hilly Areas—A Case Study of Jilț North Open Pit (Romania)
by Florin Faur, Maria Lazar, Izabela-Maria Apostu and Mioara Brujan (Predoiu)
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11480; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011480 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1061
Abstract
Regardless of the period for which the lignite open pits from Romania will be kept in function, operational safety is an objective of utmost importance. In this context, the present paper aims to analyze the stability of the working fronts of a lignite [...] Read more.
Regardless of the period for which the lignite open pits from Romania will be kept in function, operational safety is an objective of utmost importance. In this context, the present paper aims to analyze the stability of the working fronts of a lignite open pit from Romania (Jilț North open pit). The development of Jilț North open pit involves excavations in a hilly area, with a level difference between the base of the open pit and the top of the hill of approx. 195 m (151 m by the end of 2023). Thus, based on the technical documentation provided by the mining operator (situation plan, cross-sections, stratigraphic columns, etc.) and laboratory tests (on the physical–mechanical characteristics of the rocks), a stability analysis model was created with the help of a specialized software. Following the analyses, it was found that two of these slopes (T1 and T3 steps) do not present a sufficient stability reserve (in fact they are unstable, Fs ˂ 1), to allow continuing extractive activities under safe conditions. Considering these results and using a well-known slope dimensioning method, two technical solutions were proposed to increase the stability reserve: a simple one, for the T3 step, which involves reducing the slope angle from 52° to 45°, and the second one, for the T1 step, a bit more complex, involving the inclusion in the general continuous flux of the open pit of a discontinuous sub-flux that aims to achieve three sub-steps, and the reduction in the general slope angle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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33 pages, 8271 KiB  
Article
High-Speed Motion Analysis-Based Machine Learning Models for Prediction and Simulation of Flyrock in Surface Mines
by Romil Mishra, Arvind Kumar Mishra and Bhanwar Singh Choudhary
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9906; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179906 - 1 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1392
Abstract
Blasting is a cost-efficient and effective technique that utilizes explosive chemical energy to generate the necessary pressure for rock fragmentation in surface mines. However, a significant portion of this energy is dissipated in undesirable outcomes such as flyrock, ground vibration, back-break, etc. Among [...] Read more.
Blasting is a cost-efficient and effective technique that utilizes explosive chemical energy to generate the necessary pressure for rock fragmentation in surface mines. However, a significant portion of this energy is dissipated in undesirable outcomes such as flyrock, ground vibration, back-break, etc. Among these, flyrock poses the gravest threat to structures, humans, and equipment. Consequently, the precise estimation of flyrock has garnered substantial attention as a prominent research domain. This research introduces an innovative approach for demarcating the hazardous zone for bench blasting through simulation of flyrock trajectories with probable launch conditions. To accomplish this, production blasts at five distinct surface mines in India were monitored using a high-speed video camera and data related to blast design and flyrock launch circumstances including the launch velocity (vf) were gathered by conducting motion analysis. The dataset was then used to develop ten Bayesian optimized machine learning regression models for predicting vf. Among all the models, the Extremely Randomized Trees Regression model (ERTR-BO) demonstrated the best predictive accuracy. Moreover, Shapely Additive Explanation (SHAP) analysis of the ERTR-BO model unveiled bulk density as the most influential input feature in predicting vf, followed by other features. To apply the model in a real-world setting, a user interface was developed to aid in flyrock trajectory simulation during bench blast designing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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15 pages, 9129 KiB  
Article
Seismic Risk in Alborz: Insights from Geological Moment Rate Estimation and Fault Activity Analysis
by Ali Mohammadi Nia, Ahmad Rashidi, Mohammad Mahdi Khatib, Seyed Morteza Mousavi, Majid Nemati, Shahram Shafieibafti and Reza Derakhshani
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6236; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106236 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1318
Abstract
The Alborz mountain range in northern Iran is part of the active and seismic Alpide belt, where assessing seismic hazards is crucial due to the region’s history of large instrumental earthquakes and destructive seismic background. Moment rate estimation, which quantifies tectonic activity, offers [...] Read more.
The Alborz mountain range in northern Iran is part of the active and seismic Alpide belt, where assessing seismic hazards is crucial due to the region’s history of large instrumental earthquakes and destructive seismic background. Moment rate estimation, which quantifies tectonic activity, offers a novel approach to understanding the energy potential of active tectonic regions. In this study, a regional perspective is employed to investigate the maximum horizontal acceleration for Tehran, the major city in Alborz, resulting from the Sorkh-e Hesar and Ghasr-e-Firuzeh faults located approximately 7.5 km southeast of Tehran. These faults have a seismic potential of Mw 6.5 and a gravity of ~0.5723. While previous studies have identified faults in northern Tehran as the greatest seismic risk, our findings suggest otherwise. The calculated geological moment was 5.18218 × 1017 Nm/y, with a seismic moment rate of 1.83375 × 1014 Nm/y, providing valuable insights into fault activity and seismic potential in the study area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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30 pages, 11927 KiB  
Article
Seismotectonics, Geomorphology and Paleoseismology of the Doroud Fault, a Source of Seismic Hazard in Zagros
by Zahra Kamali, Hamid Nazari, Ahmad Rashidi, Mahmoud Reza Heyhat, Mohammad Mahdi Khatib and Reza Derakhshani
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3747; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063747 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1887
Abstract
In this study, the active tectonics, paleoseismicity, and seismic hazards of the Doroud Fault are examined through high-resolution satellite image interpretations, field investigations, outcrop and trench excavations, and the dating of geochronology samples. The Doroud Fault (DF), one of the essential segments of [...] Read more.
In this study, the active tectonics, paleoseismicity, and seismic hazards of the Doroud Fault are examined through high-resolution satellite image interpretations, field investigations, outcrop and trench excavations, and the dating of geochronology samples. The Doroud Fault (DF), one of the essential segments of the Main Recent Fault in the northern margin of the Zagros mountain range, has a historical and instrumental background of high seismicity. We present the first constraints from tectonic geomorphology and paleoseismology along the Doroud Fault near the capital city of Dorud. Detailed observations from satellite imagery, field investigations, real-time kinematic (RTK) measurements, paleoseismological trenching, the radiocarbon (C14), and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) as ages allowed us to map the fault in detail, describe and characterize its kinematics, and document its recent activity and seismic behavior (cumulative displacements, paleoseismicity, and magnitude, as well as recurrence interval) relevant to the recent seismic activity of the Doroud Fault during the late Holocene as one of the most important seismogenic faults in Zagros. Modern alluvial terraces of gullies and loess accumulations are systematically deflected and/or offset with co-seismic rupture, landslides, and scarps, indicating that the Doroud Fault has been active in the late Quaternary and is characterized by dextral strike–slip movements with a normal component. In addition, our findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the fault displacement, the timing of paleoearthquakes, and the right-lateral slip rate of the Doroud Fault. The late Holocene slip rate of the Doroud Fault using the OSL dating the gully is as follows: the minimum and maximum horizontal slip rates are estimated to be 1.82 and 2.71 mm/yr, and vertical slip rates of 1.03 and 1.53 mm/yr are calculated for the past 4600 ± 900 years in the middle segment of the fault. This study focused on a paleoseismological trench within the archeological sites of Darbe-Astaneh. The central portion of the fault has historically hosted more than nine earthquakes in the last 66 ka years, according to the study’s findings. According to paleoseismology studies, the Doroud Fault has the seismic capability to cause earthquakes with a magnitude of more than 7.4 and a total slip rate of about 3.83 ± 0.1 m. The average recurrence interval for the identified paleoearthquakes is approximately 104 ± 7 years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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20 pages, 6302 KiB  
Article
Monitoring Method of Large Section Bifurcated Small Clear Distance Tunnel during Information Construction Control
by Jianxiu Wang, Ansheng Cao, Tao Cui, Zhao Wu, Zonghai Li, Lihua Lin, Huboqiang Li and Yanxia Long
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3447; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063447 - 8 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1311
Abstract
Constructing a large section bifurcated small clear distance tunnel poses significant challenges due to its large section and small clear distance, complex and overlapping construction steps, unsynchronized excavation and support processes, and disturbance of surrounding rock caused by blasting. Timely and effective construction [...] Read more.
Constructing a large section bifurcated small clear distance tunnel poses significant challenges due to its large section and small clear distance, complex and overlapping construction steps, unsynchronized excavation and support processes, and disturbance of surrounding rock caused by blasting. Timely and effective construction monitoring is crucial to ensure construction safety and quality. However, traditional monitoring methods are unable to fully satisfy requirements and realize real-time monitoring. Therefore, this study proposes an automatic monitoring and control method for a large section bifurcated small clear distance tunnel to leverage the positive role of information construction. Using the Xiamen Haicang Evacuate Channel project as a case study, this paper introduces the tunnel monitoring and layout scheme of monitoring points. The monitoring data were analyzed from different perspectives, including cumulative deformation, deformation rate, cumulative deformation control value, and deformation rate control value. The follow-up excavation and support measures were optimized based on the measurement results. Additionally, an automatic monitoring and control method of the middle rock pillar combined with the criterion of stability of the middle rock pillar was proposed, constructing a working idea and framework for timely feedback and three-dimensional and dynamic monitoring. Site monitoring predicted the danger before construction and provided feedback on construction information to improve the specific construction method of subsequent excavation and support. The proposed automatic monitoring and control method can solve the problem of accidental errors in traditional monitoring methods and enable real-time automatic monitoring. The research results provide valuable experience for constructing a bifurcated small clear distance tunnel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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13 pages, 6678 KiB  
Article
3D Continuum Modelling of PDC Cutting of Rock with a Simple Contact-Erosion Scheme
by Timo Saksala
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 3219; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053219 - 2 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1474
Abstract
This paper presents a relatively simple numerical approach to predict the cutting force during PDC (polycrystalline diamond contact) cutting of rock. The rock failure model is based on a damage-viscoplasticity model, with the Drucker–Prager yield surface and the modified Rankine surface as the [...] Read more.
This paper presents a relatively simple numerical approach to predict the cutting force during PDC (polycrystalline diamond contact) cutting of rock. The rock failure model is based on a damage-viscoplasticity model, with the Drucker–Prager yield surface and the modified Rankine surface as the tensile cut-off. The damage part of the model has separate scalar damage variables for tension and compression. The PDC cutter is idealized to a rigid surface and its interaction with the rock is modelled by contact mechanics, while solving the global equations of motion explicitly in time. A damage-based erosion criterion is applied, to remove the contact nodes surrounded by heavily damaged elements. The eroded elements are left in the mesh as ghost elements that do not contribute to the load transfer but preserve the mass conservation. Numerical simulations on granite, demonstrate that the method reliably predicts the cutting force of a single PDC cutter at different cutting depths and rake angles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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14 pages, 4839 KiB  
Article
Support Vector Machine (SVM) Application for Uniaxial Compression Strength (UCS) Prediction: A Case Study for Maragheh Limestone
by Ahmed Cemiloglu, Licai Zhu, Sibel Arslan, Jinxia Xu, Xiaofeng Yuan, Mohammad Azarafza and Reza Derakhshani
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2217; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042217 - 9 Feb 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2790
Abstract
The geomechanical properties of rock materials, such as uniaxial compression strength (UCS), are the main requirements for geo-engineering design and construction. A proper understanding of UCS has a significant impression on the safe design of different foundations on rocks. So, applying fast and [...] Read more.
The geomechanical properties of rock materials, such as uniaxial compression strength (UCS), are the main requirements for geo-engineering design and construction. A proper understanding of UCS has a significant impression on the safe design of different foundations on rocks. So, applying fast and reliable approaches to predict UCS based on limited data can be an efficient alternative to regular traditional fitting curves. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of UCS, the presented study attempted to utilize the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. Multiple training and testing datasets were prepared for the UCS predictions based on a total of 120 samples recorded on limestone from the Maragheh region, northwest Iran, which were used to achieve a high precision rate for UCS prediction. The models were validated using a confusion matrix, loss functions, and error tables (MAE, MSE, and RMSE). In addition, 24 samples were tested (20% of the primary dataset) and used for the model justifications. Referring to the results of the study, the SVM (accuracy = 0.91/precision = 0.86) showed good agreement with the actual data, and the estimated coefficient of determination (R2) reached 0.967, showing that the model’s performance was impressively better than that of traditional fitting curves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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23 pages, 11216 KiB  
Article
Improved Surrounding Rock Classification Method for the Middle Rock Pillar of a Small Clear-Distance Tunnel
by Jianxiu Wang, Ansheng Cao, Zhao Wu, Xuezeng Liu, Zonghai Li, Lihua Lin, Xiaotian Liu, Huboqiang Li and Yuanwei Sun
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042130 - 7 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
In tunnel design and construction, proper and accurate classification of rock surrounding tunnels is needed to ensure tunnel construction safety, guarantee construction quality, and reduce project costs. With rapid urbanization, numerous small clear-distance tunnels have been constructed in dense urban road networks. Compared [...] Read more.
In tunnel design and construction, proper and accurate classification of rock surrounding tunnels is needed to ensure tunnel construction safety, guarantee construction quality, and reduce project costs. With rapid urbanization, numerous small clear-distance tunnels have been constructed in dense urban road networks. Compared with ordinarily separated tunnels, the construction scale and difficulty of small clear-distance tunnels are greater, and the requirements for the classification of rock surrounding tunnels are accordingly higher. A small clear-distance tunnel in an urban super large and complex underground interchange hub of the Xiamen Haicang Evacuation Channel was selected as the background, and the classification method of the middle rock pillar in a small clear-distance tunnel is presented based on the general classification standard of surrounding rocks. Based on the geometric, physical, and mechanical factors of the middle rock pillar, six indices affecting the stability and quality of the middle rock pillar were selected, and the classification index system of the middle rock pillar was established from the two dimensions of the basic and auxiliary indices. The basic and auxiliary indices were scored using the scoring method, and the different grades of the middle rock pillar were divided according to different scores. The middle rock pillar classification standard was applied to the quality assessment of the middle rock pillar, which provided a basis for the on-site assessment of the quality of the middle rock pillar and proved the accuracy and superiority of the improved classification standard. The newly established classification standard can provide a reference for selecting the correct construction method and supporting structure type for small clear-distance tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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18 pages, 7253 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Stability Analysis of Ridge Slope Using Strength Reduction Method Based on Unified Strength Criterion
by Jianxiu Wang, Pengfei Liu, Pengfei Si, Huboqiang Li, Fan Wu, Yuxin Su, Yanxia Long, Ansheng Cao, Yuanwei Sun and Qianyuan Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031580 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1369
Abstract
Ridge slopes often occur in highway or railway engineering. The initial stress distribution of a ridge slope is important for the original slope and an excavation slope. In this paper, a wire-frame model of ridge slope was established. Numerical simulations on the 3D [...] Read more.
Ridge slopes often occur in highway or railway engineering. The initial stress distribution of a ridge slope is important for the original slope and an excavation slope. In this paper, a wire-frame model of ridge slope was established. Numerical simulations on the 3D stability analysis were performed using the strength reduction method based on unified strength theory. The influences of ridgeline dip angle α, flank slope angle β, and slope height H on the deformation and failure mode of ridgeline slopes were analyzed. When α was small, cracking failure easily occurred at the front edge of the ridge slope and the area near the ridge line. When α was large, shear failure was prone to occur at the trailing edge of the ridge slope. Under the same reduction coefficient, the larger the flank slope angle β, the larger the slope displacement of the ridge. The plastic zone gradually concentrated near the ridge. When H was small, the displacement mainly occurred at the trailing edge of the slope, and the slopes were generally prone to cracking damage at the trailing edge. The front edge of the slope experienced a large displacement when the height of the ridge slope increased. The bottom of the flank slope was also displaced, and a plastic zone was observed at the foot of the slope. When the excavation slope ratio of the ridge slope was small, the plastic zone was mainly located on the side slope. When the excavation rate increased, the plastic zone appeared on the excavation slope surface, and its stability decreased significantly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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14 pages, 2439 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis for Slope Stability by Using Machine Learning Methods
by Yaser A. Nanehkaran, Zhu Licai, Jin Chengyong, Junde Chen, Sheraz Anwar, Mohammad Azarafza and Reza Derakhshani
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031555 - 25 Jan 2023
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5080
Abstract
Earth slopes’ stability analysis is a key task in geotechnical engineering that provides a detailed view of the slope conditions used to implement appropriate stabilizations. In the stability analysis process, calculating the safety factor (F.S) plays an essential part in the stability assessment, [...] Read more.
Earth slopes’ stability analysis is a key task in geotechnical engineering that provides a detailed view of the slope conditions used to implement appropriate stabilizations. In the stability analysis process, calculating the safety factor (F.S) plays an essential part in the stability assessment, which guarantees operations’ success. Providing accurate and reliable F.S can be used to improve the stability analysis procedure as well as stabilizations. In this regard, researchers used computational intelligent methodologies to reach highly accurate F.S calculations. The presented study focused on the F.S estimation process and attempted to provide a comparative analysis based on computational intelligence and machine learning methods. In this regard, the well-known multilayer perceptron (MLP), decision tree (DT), support vector machines (SVM), and random forest (RF) learning algorithms were used to predict/calculate F.S for the earth slopes. These machine learning classifiers have a strong capability predict the F.S under certain conditions for slope failures and uncertainties. These models were implemented on a dataset containing 100 earth slopes’ stabilities, recorded based on F.S from various locations in the provinces of Fars, Isfahan, and Tehran in Iran, which were randomly divided into the training and testing datasets. These predictive models were validated by Janbu’s limit equilibrium analysis method (LEM) and GeoStudio commercial software. Regarding the study’s results, MLP (accuracy = 0.901/precision = 0.90) provides more accurate results to predict the F.S than other classifiers, with good agreement with LEM results. The SVM algorithm follows MLP (accuracy = 0.873/precision = 0.85). Regarding the estimated loss function, MLP obtained a 0.29 average loss in the F.S prediction process, which is the lowest rate. The SVM, DT, and RF obtained 0.41, 0.62, and 0.45 losses, respectively. This article tried to fill the gap in traditional analysis procedures based on advanced procedures in slope stability assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Modeling in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)
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