Estimation of mechanical behavior of rock slope using a high-resolution borehole tilt-meter at an open pit limestone mine

A high-resolution borehole tilt-meter is introduced to measure the inclination of rock slope at an open pit limestone mine, and the movement of rock slope is analyzed based on the measured results from the tilt-meter and numerical results by a three-dimensional boundary element method (3-D BEM). Firstly, a high-resolution borehole tilt-meter is explained. Secondly, based on the measured results for nine months in the limestone mine, the mechanical behavior of rock slope is analyzed. The general mechanical behavior of rock slope due to excavation of a bench is then analyzed by 3-D BEM. Finally, using the results of measurement and numerical analysis, the mechanical behavior of rock slope is made clear. It is concluded that a high-resolution borehole tilt-meter is applicable to monitor the movement of rock slope in a short period.