A case study integrating numerical simulation and GB-InSAR monitoring to analyze flexural toppling of an anti-dip slope in Fushun open pit

Toppling failure of rock slopes is a complicated mode due to a combination of both continuous and discontinuous deformation, especially in dealing with anti-dip rock slopes. In this paper, a novel continuum-based discrete element method (CDEM), which is useful in modeling the entire progressive process from continuous to discontinuous deformation, is proposed to analyze the deformation characteristics, the failure mechanism and the evolution process of a large-scale open pit slope with a typical anti-dip structure. To simulate the slope deformation, the shear strength reduction method (SSR) is adopted to represent the strength degradation of rock mass in the deterioration process. The simulated results are validated using data obtained from a field investigation and continuous monitoring by employing an advanced remote sensing technique called ground-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (GB-InSAR). To analyze the evolution trend of the anti-dip slope, the subsequent toppling failure mode is predicted using the validated CDEM models. Based on a case study of a slope at the Fushun open pit mine (in Fushun, China), the unique geological structure with various joints and discontinuities, ground-water, intense rainfall, and mining activities are identified as the main triggers for different failure stages. The comparison between the field data and the simulation shows that CDEM accurately depicts the rock deformation and the failure pattern of the studied slope. The proposed numerical modeling techniques can be used for predicting failures of other similar excavated rock slopes. The simulated evolution process and the recorded deformation patterns help engineers to gain a better understanding of rock mass movement of anti-dip slopes, and the presented methodology could be utilized for similar studies and engineering designs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Catalogue & price list, 1928 /

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Teaching Innovations Using Systems Thinking to Guide Fieldwork Projects in RN-to-BSN Education

Background: A critical need exists to improve quality and safety within RN-to-BSN education through innovative teaching strategies. RN-to-BSN students are poised to improve patient outcomes through system-level awareness by use of scholarly fieldwork projects within practice settings. The purpose of this scholarship of teaching project was to use an adapted version of the Systems Awareness Model to develop and categorize RN-to-BSN students’ learning experiences and capstone-type fieldwork projects guided by systems thinking. Faculty members of the Catalysts for Change Community led this project. Methods: A modified Delphi technique using multiple iterations to reach consensus by faculty experts was used in the design of this scholarship of teaching project. The philosophical underpinning guiding this project was collaborative scholarship. The seven steps of the System Awareness Model adapted for leadership and management were used to guide faculty championing quality and safety of innovative teaching strategies in face-to-face, hybrid, or online teaching-learning environments. Results: Faculty described examples of evidence-based practice (EBP), change, and practice projects including ideas, titles, and descriptions in alignment with Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies and with newly adopted American Association of Colleges of Nursing Education Essentials. A grading rubric is provided for evaluating fieldwork student project outcomes. Conclusions: The teaching strategies and fieldwork projects described in this paper reinforce the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) RN-to-BSN White Paper and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Teaching Standards. Suggestions for future research are offered

Retail catalogue, February 1929 /

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