Digger Slope
A software suite for slope stability analysis and pit slope optimization. It helps you assess actual risks and keep operating costs to a minimum as the deposit is mined
Comprehensive kinematic analysis
Digger Slope performs comprehensive kinematic slope stability analysis using deterministic and probabilistic approaches. It accounts for:
- Pit slope domains (structural zoning and lithology of the deposit)
- Hydrogeological conditions
- Seismicity of the area
- External loads
Stability is calculated automatically over a grid of slope orientations (dip and dip direction at a set step). The results are compiled into the Kinematic Map of the Pit (3K), which includes:
- Recommended slope geometry: slope angle and berm width
- Slope stability: factor of safety, probability of failure and risk level
- Predicted failure volume
Detailed calculation settings
Safety berm calculations can be configured in detail for both deterministic and probabilistic approaches: slope surface properties, berm service life, effective berm width for the equipment in use, trimming of the failure volume distribution (cutting off a set percentage of the smallest and largest values), and reduction of the rock spread radius based on field data and empirical relationships.
Beyond the main failure modes (planar, wedge and toppling), the software automatically searches for tension cracks, with detailed settings and calculation of the critical distance between the tension crack and the slope crest.
The size range of each failure mode can be limited at both ends by setting minimum and maximum values for selected parameters (failure height, width, volume and weight, joint and face lengths). Results can also be filtered by failure mode and factor of safety range.
Back-analysis
To calibrate the analysis against actual mining data, Digger Slope supports back-analysis. It extracts useful geomechanical information from failures that have already occurred: cohesion and friction angle along weakness planes in the rock mass.
Results for engineering decisions
The Kinematic Map of the Pit can be displayed as a 3D pit wireframe, a stereogram or a table by slope orientation sector. The software can automatically sub-domain the pit by stability and assign response measures to predicted failures using a defined risk matrix. It also includes empirical analysis based on the Q-Slope, SMR and MRMR rating systems, and estimates the maximum stable overall slope angle using the Fisenko and Hoek methods. The plan-view curvature of the pit wall is taken into account.
Demo materials
- Digger Slope — brochure (Russia)
- Digger Slope — presentation at the MineDigital MINEX Russia 2022 competition
- Digger Slope — presentation: comprehensive kinematic analysis in the software
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