Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
Fractures orientations analyses were carried out on two faces tagged face 1 and face 2 at dolomite deposit quarry in Ekpeshi, Nigeria. Two joint sets were identified. Kinematic analyses carried out with the aid of DIPS software show different types of failure. Face 1 of Ekpeshi quarry is susceptible to wedge failure while toppling failure is not a threat on this face. Face 2 of Ekpeshi dolomite is partly under the threat of plane failure. There is no possibility of wedge failure on this face. Also there is no threat of toppling failure on the dolomite face 2. It was observed from the analyses that little attention was paid to relationship between cut face and fracture orientation in the case study area. Although there was no tension crack which could have aggravated slope failures, however the toes of the slope were heavily flooded; this situation may reduce friction between fracture surfaces and aid sliding. It was concluded and recommended that fractures orientations analyses should always be carried out to determine the proper orientation of cut face in relation to fracture orientation. Also there should be proper drainage at the toes of the slope to prevent percolation which might reduce friction between discontinuities surfaces so as not to turn profitable mines to loss and to minimize if not prevented, failures that can be dangerous to both personnel and equipment

Keywords: fracture, kinematic analysis, dolomite deposit, stability

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