Research on slope stability analysis of super-high dumping site based on cellular automaton

Apparent particle size grading is the most important characteristic of super-high dumping site. On the basis of the development of the HHC-CA model and on-site survey of granular size distribution, the slope model of current situation, had considered the features of particle size grading, was established according to a super-high dumping site. FLAC was used to analyze the slope stability of current situation and various piling up patterns slope based on the slope model. The results indicated that the upper displacement vector, whose displacement direction maintained the same direction of the current situation slope of a super-high dumping site, performanced for subsidence. The middle displacement vector showed shear and the displacement vector of bottom had slightly the trend of anti-lift. The slope failure model of current situation expressed in crack at the top platform and shearing out with a arc in the middle. This status of current situation slope was temporary steady stage. To adopt full overlay dump of multi-step, the displacement vector of dumping site slope showed subsidence at the top and transited to the horizontal direction at the bottom. The slope failure mode expressed in crack at the top platform and shearing out with a arc at the bottom. When considering the influence of strength characteristics of granular pile on the slope stability only, the particle size grading of super-high dumping site was helpful to slope stability. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Society for Resources, Environment and Engineering