This study proposes a rational process that can be used by the mining engineer to control rockfall by the design of catch bench geometry in surface mines. The problem of rockfall in surface mines is defined and factors causing rockfall are identified. Four civil engineering models that predict rockfall motion are presented and compared to rockfall field tests from eight different test sites. Based on these results, a computer program was written that combines aspects of the two best models. The Ritchie empirical model provides the most conservative result of catch bench width and berm height necessary to contain rockfall on mine slopes. The Colorado Rockfall Simulation Program is used to check the reliability of the design and to permit selection of the minimum catch bench geometry to insure both mine safety and the most economic slope angles.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/276961 |
| Date | January 1989 |
| Creators | Evans, Christopher Lyle, 1961- |
| Contributors | Daemen, Jaak |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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