Research project „Development of an integrated mining waste security and evaluation system” successfully completed
Ground liquefaction hazard potential evaluation method developed

24th March 2014, Senftenberg (Germany)

By using its artificial neural network based advangeo® Prediction Software, Beak Consultants GmbH, in close co-operation with the Technical University Freiberg, have developed an approach for creating authoritative ground liquefaction hazard potential maps. The semi-automatic system is able to quickly response to changing external conditions, such as changing ground water tables. The GIS-based information system provides hazard potential evaluation experts with an effective tool for managing geotechnical risks of former lignite pits filled up with mining waste.

The research project was funded by the Lausitzer und Mitteldeutsche Bergbau-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH (LMBV mbH).

In the past, LMBV-managed mining waste sites have frequently been affected by ground liquefaction processes caused by rising ground water after mine closure. Due to ground water induced modifications of the physical and chemical properties, these mining waste piles are facing sudden impacts on their geotechnical stability. The results are deformation processes of the earth surface causing hazards for follow-up use of mining areas.

We thank LMBV mbH and the Technical University of Freiberg for the excellent co-operation.


Figure: Ground liquefaction hazard potential map of the mining waste piles in the Schlabendorf–South lignite open pit mine for 2010.