Assessment of Rock Mass Quality and Rockfall Potential Evaluation for Reclamation of a Quarry

Abstract

In order to make an informed decision about implementing sustainable and efficient development during land reclamation in an area deemed geohazard-prone, thorough geological input is necessary. Quarry areas are vulnerable to slope failure and rockfalls, making it imperative to evaluate rock slopes for quarry reclamation. For this reason, researchers in Kinta Valley, Malaysia, set out to evaluate the slopes GG1, GG2, and GG3 at a defunct quarry. To evaluate the rock mass classification, the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Slope Mass Rating (SMR) systems were utilized, and the analyzing rock block's trajectory was using a rockfall analysis. The kinematic stability analysis was also performed to identify possible failure mechanisms. In order to assess the site's suitability for urban development, the rockfall scenarios were conducted. The SMR scaled from moderate to very good, while the RMR ranked the rock mass quality as good to very good. For all three of the slopes analyzed, the kinematic stability analysis pointed to the possibility of various failures (toppling, planar and wedge). According to the rockfall trajectory analysis, the rock block could roll as far as 5 metres from the base of the slope. For this reason, the study advised creating a buffer zone of 20 metres or more away from the rock slope as a means of protection against the geohazard of rockfall.