ABSTRACT
Assessing geotechnical stability in rock masses is challenging using 2D analysis methods when the failure mechanisms are driven by 3D geometry and anisotropy. For such cases, it is necessary to use 3D analysis to correctly assess slope stability in such environments. This work aims at presenting a methodology and a case study in Serra do Sapo soft iron ore deposit using 3D Limit Equilibrium method. The paper will examine 3D implicit geological models with anisotropic rock masses. To capture the failure mechanism correctly, the work identified the main structural drivers, such as structural geological contacts and internal features or “lenses” such as filonites. Finally, the authors compared 3D limit equilibrium results to 2D limit equilibrium outcomes. The comparison showed that 3D analysis provided a reliable way to predict instabilities due to 3D interactions.
