Numerical finite element modeling for prediction of groundwater inflow and height of the seepage face in a deep pit
| Category | Hydrogeology |
|---|---|
| Group | GSI.IR |
| Location | The 25 Symposium of Geosciences |
| Author | A.Arya far- F.Dolati |
| Holding Date | 02 July 2007 |
Numerical finite element modeling for prediction of groundwater inflow and height of the seepage face in a deep pit
Abstract
The depletion of shallower deposits and improvements in mining techniques has led to a considerable increase in economic working depth in open pit mines. Whenever a mine is operated below the water table, water inflow occurs from the surrounding layers towards the mining excavation. In order to design an effective drainage scheme for a surface mine, prediction of water inflow into the pit is essential. By many researchers, several analytical solution bases on assumptions and specific boundary conditions have developed. But, numerical methods, particular, finite element, are useful tools for predicting inflow to open pit. In this paper, a finite element model by use of SEEP/W software, presented. This model is capable to consider the saturated/unsaturated flow, confined/unconfined aquifer, and can determine the height of seepage face on long wall of pit.
Key words: numerical modeling, finite element, SEEP/W, deep pit, groundwater inflow, height of the seepage face