Utilization of fly ash nano-composite coated jute geotextile as a reinforcement material in the stabilization of coal mine overburden dump slopes
摘要
The increasing power requirement in India has driven the expansion of open-cast coal mining, leading to considerable overburden (OB) generation. Managing OB presents challenges due to slope instability and spatial constraints, particularly in high stripping ratio mines. This study explores the potential of nano-composite coated jute geotextile (JGT) as a reinforcement material to enhance OB dump stability and accommodate larger volumes. A composite coating of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and fly ash fillers significantly improved JGT’s mechanical properties. Tensile strength increased by 55.7% in the machine direction (MD) and 51.0% in the cross-machine direction (XMD) without compromising porosity. The coated JGT exhibited hydrophobic characteristics, with a water contact angle (WCA) of 110.6° and a higher interface friction angle, improving slope stability. Durability tests showed that coated JGT retained 91.2% tensile strength after six months of low-pH water exposure, while untreated JGT fully degraded. Geotechnical centrifuge modeling demonstrated an 89.56% reduction in settlement at the crest and complete elimination of settlement on the slope face with reinforcement. Numerical modeling indicated a 6.25% increase in the factor of safety, enabling steeper and taller OB dumps, thereby increasing slope capacity by 18.98%. Large-scale production of nano-composite coated JGT has been successfully implemented, ensuring quality consistency. Cost analysis highlights significant savings, positioning nano-composite coated JGT as a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to synthetic geotextiles. This innovative approach offers a robust solution for stabilizing OB dumps in coal mining, addressing both environmental and economic concerns.