Digger Slope.
A software suite for slope stability analysis and open-pit slope optimization that assesses actual risks and minimizes operating costs when mining a deposit
Comprehensive kinematic analysis
The software implements comprehensive kinematic slope stability analysis based on deterministic and probabilistic approaches, taking into account:
- Pit slope domaining (structural zoning and lithological structure of the deposit)
- Hydrogeological conditions
- Seismic activity of the area
- External loading
Stability is calculated automatically over a defined grid of slope positions (dip angle and dip azimuth with a given step). The software builds the Kinematic Map of the Pit (3K), which includes the results of calculating:
- Recommended slope configuration: slope angle, berm width
- Slope stability assessment: stability safety factor, failure probability, risk level
- Predicted failure volume
Detailed calculation settings
The software provides detailed settings for safety berm calculations based on deterministic and probabilistic approaches, including slope surface properties, berm service life, effective width depending on equipment, statistical trimming of failure volume distributions (cutting off a 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, toppling), the software performs an automated search for tension cracks with detailed configuration and calculation of the critical distance of the tension crack from the slope crest.
The scale of each failure mode is configured on both sides — minimum and maximum limits for the selected parameters (failure height, width, volume and weight, joint and face lengths), plus filtering of results by failure mode and stability safety factor range.
Back-analysis
To calibrate calculations against actual mining data, the software implements back-analysis, which extracts practically valuable geomechanical information from recorded failures — cohesion and friction angle data for the weak surfaces of the rock mass.
Results for engineering decisions
The Kinematic Map of the Pit can be presented as a 3D pit wireframe, a stereogram, or a table by slope orientation sector. Automatic sub-domaining of the pit by stability and definition of response measures for predicted failures against a defined risk matrix are supported. Empirical analysis based on the Q-Slope, SMR, and MRMR rating classifications and assessment of the overall ultimate stable slope angle using the Fisenko and Hoek methods are implemented. The plan-view curvature of the slope is taken into account.
Demo materials
- Digger Slope — Booklet (Russia)
- Digger Slope — Presentation at the MineDigital Minex 2022 competition
- Digger Slope — Presentation "Comprehensive kinematic analysis in the software"
To request a demo version, please fill in the form.
We will contact you and arrange a demonstration of the Digger Slope software suite.