Numerical modeling of failure mechanisms in phyllite mine slopes in Brazil

This paper presents three case studies comprising failure mechanisms in phyllite mine slopes at Quadrilátero Ferrífero, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Numerical modeling techniques were used in this study. Failure mechanisms involving discontinuities sub parallel to the main foliation are very common in these mines. Besides, failure through the rock material has also been observed due to the low strength of phyllites in this site. Results of this work permitted to establish unknown geotechnical parameters which have significant influence in failure processes, like the in situ stress field and the discontinuity stiffness.