An overview of maintaining a database for pit slope monitoring using Ground Based Radars

There are several key, predefined steps to first establish and thereafter maintain a ‘living’ pit slope monitoring database for a Ground Based Radar (GBR). This paper discusses the key considerations that should be taken into account daily for mining operations using a GBR as part of their pit slope monitoring programme.

Practical aspects such as mechanical instrumentation health, power status and continued high quality telemetry is required in order for the system to work effectively. As the radar system collects data, one has to view this information, ascertain, then apply meaningful alarm thresholds in order to identify impending instability, or other areas of concern.

An appropriate trigger action response plan (TARP) is essential for the operation to support the required response efforts to activated alarms, and to de-escalate them depending on the trigger level, risk assessment (likelihood x consequence) and the hazard rating. In addition, custom TARP’s may be necessary for specific instability modes (movement stages and patterns), seasonal changes in the atmospheric environment (heat, rainfall, snowfall, dust storms etc.). These various TARP’s need to be compiled with the site characteristics in mind and communicated efficaciously to the workforce. Of great importance are the pit slope evacuation procedures, their implementation, practice and periodic review.

Daily geotechnical assessment of the radar data in conjunction with other available instrumentation is imperative to pre-emptively and proactively identify potentially sinister pit slope conditions. These tasks should be undertaken hand-in-hand with visual inspection of the pit slope. Other daily tasks include tracking and recording activities such as drilling and blasting, weather conditions, seismic events, and any other noteworthy occurrence in event logs.

Whilst these steps and recommendations are by no means exhaustive, they provide some guidance to actively managing and maintaining data being collected in real-time for a live database.