ABSTRACT
This paper summarizes the results of a parametric study that demonstrates the variability in Factor of Safety that is calculated for a highly bedded open pit mine when 2D and 3D limit equilibrium stability methods are applied. Factors of Safety are calculated for linear (Mohr-Coulomb) and non-linear (Generalized Hoek-Brown, Shear-Normal, Barton-Bandis) material models as well as different search settings. Results of this parametric study show that the Factor of Safety is consistently higher for 3D analysis, compared to 2D analysis. This increase in Factor of Safety, in this example, is attributed to the correct inclusion of end effects and varying directional strength, which is not possible to include in 2D analysis.
