Numerical modelling of biostabilisation for a coal mine overburden dump slope

An integrated study on biological stabilisation of the dump slope has indic ated that biological reclamation should be considered for long term stabili ty of dump. The grasses have good soil binding capacity and help to control soil erosion and improve dump stability. Native grasses viz. Bamboo (Dendr ocalmus strictus) and Kashi (Saccharum spontaneum) are the important consti tuents of grass species which can stabilise the dump slopes. Field observat ion of root development of these grass species has indicated that the roots can proliferate upto 0.5 m depth on a coal mine overburden dump after thre e years of vegetation. From the numerical modelling it has been analysed th at roots of these grasses which significantly enhance the factor of safety of dump slope from 1.2 to 1.4 have a positive role in maintaining long term stability. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.