Rock mechanics studies to improve intact rock block exploitation and slope stability conditions in a quarry basin

This paper deals with rock mechanics studies for the optimization of the design lay-out in the Osceola Valley ornamental stone basin (north-west Italy). The exploitation planning has to consider the different structural and geological situations observed in this area. The most typical instability problems have been recorded and studied within this work and the more suitable modeling methods are described, taking two real cases into account. The rock excavation modeling has been performed by using numerical methods such as the Distinct Element Method (DEM) and the limit equilibrium method (LEM). In addition the water effect on the joints has been simulated in the numerical analyses. The scale effects on the discontinuity shear strength have been computed for the different joint sets and foliation by means geostatistical analysis of the discontinuities profiles. Numerical methods were also used in designing the remedial works for the restoration of the quarry slopes that failed.