Determination of bearing capacities of different rock units in some open-pit mines

Abstract

As it is known that, one of the important parameters which should be taken into consideration during the design studies of open-pit working areas and roads is the ground bearing capacity. Within the scope of this study, initially a comprehensive and up to date literature survey is conducted on the ground bearing capacity. In the light of literature study, a controlled plate loading test system is setup for the measurement of bearing capacities of rock units. Then using this system the ground bearing capacities of eight different locations at three open-pit mines (Sivas-Ulas Open-Pit Celestite Mine, Divrigi Open-Pit Iron Mine and Kangal Open-Pit Coal Mine) have been determined.