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<p>Slope stability in limestone quarries is critical to operational safety and efficiency, particularly in environments subject to dynamic loading from production blasting. This study presents an integrated geotechnical assessment of the limestone quarry at Hammam Sidi El-Hadj, CILAS Biskra, Algeria, combining semi-empirical rock mass classification, field vibration monitoring, and finite element modelling to evaluate slope stability under static and blast-induced seismic conditions. Rock mass characterization using rock mass rating (RMR), slope mass rating (SMR), and the geological strength index (GSI) indicates good rock quality and stable slope configurations. Field monitoring of 20 production blasts revealed peak particle velocities (PPVs) ranging from 4.61 to 12.85&#xa0;mm/s at distances of 150–480&#xa0;m, with frequencies of 3.95–18.54&#xa0;Hz. These data were used to calculate horizontal seismic coefficients (Ah), which represent the dynamic load imposed on the slope during blasting operations. Slope stability analysis using Phase2 finite element software with the Generalized Hoek-Brown (GHB) failure criterion yielded a factor of safety (FoS) of 3.91 under static conditions, confirming the slope’s inherent stability. Under dynamic loading scenarios, FoS values decreased to 3.77, 3.46, and 3.18 for the minimum, average, and maximum blast-induced seismic coefficients, respectively, representing reductions of 3.58%, 11.50%, and 18.67%, respectively. A comparison with the Algerian seismic norm (RPA-2024) for Zone 3 conditions (A = 0.15&#xa0;g) yielded an FoS of 2.77, indicating a 29.15% reduction. Despite these reductions, all computed safety factors remained above critical thresholds, demonstrating that current blasting practices maintain acceptable slope stability. The study further established a linear attenuation relationship between PPV and distance (D), providing a predictive framework for vibration assessment. The integration of semi-empirical classification, real-time vibration monitoring, and numerical modeling provides a robust, field-validated methodology for assessing blast-induced slope instability in active quarry environments, thereby contributing to sustainable, safer blasting practices in seismically sensitive mining zones.</p>

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Finite Element Assessment of Slope Stability Subject to Blasting Effects in Limestone Quarry Operations

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月24日

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  • Yamine Akardjoudje,
  • Mohamed Fredj,
  • Abderrazak Saadoun,
  • Riadh Boukarm,
  • Ines Benamira,
  • Djamel Eddine Abbas

摘要

Slope stability in limestone quarries is critical to operational safety and efficiency, particularly in environments subject to dynamic loading from production blasting. This study presents an integrated geotechnical assessment of the limestone quarry at Hammam Sidi El-Hadj, CILAS Biskra, Algeria, combining semi-empirical rock mass classification, field vibration monitoring, and finite element modelling to evaluate slope stability under static and blast-induced seismic conditions. Rock mass characterization using rock mass rating (RMR), slope mass rating (SMR), and the geological strength index (GSI) indicates good rock quality and stable slope configurations. Field monitoring of 20 production blasts revealed peak particle velocities (PPVs) ranging from 4.61 to 12.85 mm/s at distances of 150–480 m, with frequencies of 3.95–18.54 Hz. These data were used to calculate horizontal seismic coefficients (Ah), which represent the dynamic load imposed on the slope during blasting operations. Slope stability analysis using Phase2 finite element software with the Generalized Hoek-Brown (GHB) failure criterion yielded a factor of safety (FoS) of 3.91 under static conditions, confirming the slope’s inherent stability. Under dynamic loading scenarios, FoS values decreased to 3.77, 3.46, and 3.18 for the minimum, average, and maximum blast-induced seismic coefficients, respectively, representing reductions of 3.58%, 11.50%, and 18.67%, respectively. A comparison with the Algerian seismic norm (RPA-2024) for Zone 3 conditions (A = 0.15 g) yielded an FoS of 2.77, indicating a 29.15% reduction. Despite these reductions, all computed safety factors remained above critical thresholds, demonstrating that current blasting practices maintain acceptable slope stability. The study further established a linear attenuation relationship between PPV and distance (D), providing a predictive framework for vibration assessment. The integration of semi-empirical classification, real-time vibration monitoring, and numerical modeling provides a robust, field-validated methodology for assessing blast-induced slope instability in active quarry environments, thereby contributing to sustainable, safer blasting practices in seismically sensitive mining zones.