An approach to geometrical modelling of slope curves and discontinuities

Conventional geometrical methods for mining applications such as geologic mapping, cross-sections, logging, stereonets, contours and others are so sophisticated that often additional explanations are needed. After studying conventional geometrical methods, we decided to analyze both general slope curves and discontinuities of open pit mines used in excavations in rock mass to achieve meaningful 3D results by using linear mathematical transformation and isometric perspective methods.In addition, a new reorganization of discontinuities as a construction method has been developed according to their spatial orientations. In the developed method, slope curves and discontinuities were geometrically analyzed in a rectangular prism. An example of a detailed structural study of the Doğankuzu South Block Bauxite Open Pit Mine in Seydişehir, Turkey is given. Results indicate that there is a high similarity in both slope curves and discontinuity traces on free surfaces. The main aim of this study is to present a fast and practical visualization of these structures using directly conventional surveying instruments such as theodolite and compass-clinometer or periodic product maps. Present limitations of the method and further studies are also stipulated.