| One of the key factors in ensuring safe slopes in open pit mines is the control of the groundwater flow within the slope. When analyzing the flow regime and its characteristics, traditional numerical methods designed for soil-like materials may not always apply. In the present thesis, the two-dimensional finite element code FlowD was developed to analyze steady-state seepage through fractured rock masses, under saturated conditions. The program provides the user with two modelling options: porous (soil) materials, or fractured rock masses. The double-porosity model was incorporated in the code, in order to better model flow through anisotropic, heterogeneous fractured rock masses, where Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions can apply. FlowD program calculates total pressure head, flow gradients and velocities within the specified domain. Drains, drainage galleries and wells, as well as aquifer recharge can be simulated. A real large-scale case study, with complex geological features has been simulated in order to demonstrate the application of the double porosity model. Three different scenarios have been modeled for the same slope, which are natural groundwater regime, vertical well simulation, and drainage galleries simulation. The results show good agreement with the predictions of both the consultant and the mine's engineering division. |
