Pit Slope Angle
Calculate geometric overall pit slope across faces and interior berms; no rock-mass stability or geotechnical acceptance is inferred.
Description
An overall pit slope combines bench-face horizontal runs with interior berm widths.
An overall pit slope combines bench-face horizontal runs with interior berm widths. The overall angle is less steep than the individual faces when berms add run.
The tool returns totalRiseM (total rise m); totalHorizontalRunM (total horizontal run m); overallSlopeDegrees (overall slope degrees). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Pit Slope Angle
Use Pit Slope Angle when you already have benchHeightsM, benchFaceAnglesDegrees, interBenchBermWidthsM and want totalRiseM, totalHorizontalRunM, overallSlopeDegrees. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Pit Slope Angle and understand its results
- Enter benchHeightsM, benchFaceAnglesDegrees, interBenchBermWidthsM using the field table below. Match the units, ordering and data boundaries described in the calculation.
- Run the tool after checking the stated bounds and matching paired observations or categories. A malformed request gives a tool error rather than a usable measurement.
- Read totalRiseM, totalHorizontalRunM, overallSlopeDegrees. Use the calculation and interpretation below to distinguish amounts, ratios, signs and decision flags where applicable.
- Review the supplied parameters and assumptions before using the result in a report or comparing it with another observation.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type and bounds | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| benchHeightsM | Bench heights m | list of number | Required |
| benchFaceAnglesDegrees | Bench face angles degrees | list of number | Required |
| interBenchBermWidthsM | Inter bench berm widths m | list of number | Required |
Use positive heights, face angles strictly between 0 and 90 degrees, and one nonnegative interior berm width between each adjacent bench.
rise = Σheights; run = Σheight/tan(faceAngle)+ΣinteriorBerms; angle = atan2(rise,run) The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"benchHeightsM": [
10,
10
],
"benchFaceAnglesDegrees": [
45,
45
],
"interBenchBermWidthsM": [
5
]
},
"output": {
"totalRiseM": 20,
"totalHorizontalRunM": 25.000000000000004,
"overallSlopeDegrees": 38.65980825409009
}
}Limitations and assumptions
This computes geometry only. Geological strength, discontinuities, groundwater and slope stability are not evaluated.
Numerical inputs must be finite. The tool checks its declared input shape and calculation constraints; those checks do not verify the quality, calibration or representativeness of the supplied observations.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Ramp Gradient: Calculate signed ramp grade, angle and slope distance; descending grades are preserved and no road acceptance criterion is embedded. Tributary Pillar Strength: Compare calibrated square-pillar empirical strength with tributary-area stress; coefficient assumes meter dimensions and stability certification is excluded.
Methodological background: Pillar and Roof Span Design Guidelines for Underground Stone Mines.1
References
-
Pillar and Roof Span Design Guidelines for Underground Stone Mines — NIOSH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Similar or alternative tools
- Ramp Gradient
Calculate signed ramp grade, angle and slope distance; descending grades are preserved and no road acceptance criterion is embedded.
- Tributary Pillar Strength
Compare calibrated square-pillar empirical strength with tributary-area stress; coefficient assumes meter dimensions and stability certification is excluded.