--- title: The use of 3D models and analysis in support of waste stockpile design and operations date: 2018-11-02T14:46:00-04:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/the-use-of-3d-models-and-analysis-in-support-of-waste-stockpile-design-and-operations" section: Publications --- 1. The complexities of waste rock stockpiles are often underestimated. Slope stability analysis for such earth structures is usually carried out using two-dimensional (2D) slope stability methods. Furthermore the sections used in the analysis are often idealized. Selecting a typical or critical section is left to the designer. Given the number of parameters that can affect stability this approach may not always bring focus to those areas of the waste stock pile which are most critical. As such, three-dimensional (3D) slope stability analysis offers a more complete screening tool which assists the designer in identifying the most critical areas. Mining projects, in which complex co-deposition schemes are employed, using both fine and coarse material, coupled 3D seepage and slope stability analysis can prove useful. This allows modelling the impact of various co-deposition methods on the waste rock pile’s hydraulic regime and its effect on stability. Some complex co-deposition configurations modelling cannot be carried out with 2D analysis. Note that this white paper was the subject of a presentation at the Tailings and Mine Waste’18 Conference in Colorado State University. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Luciano Piciacchia](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/3206/Luciano-Piciacchia.webp) Luciano Piciacchia, P.Eng., Ph.D. Senior Consulting Expert, Earth and Infrastructure [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucianopiciacchia/) 2. ![Vahid Marefat](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/3194/Vahid-Marefat.webp) Vahid Marefat, P.Eng., Ph.D. Senior Engineer, Earth and Infrastructure [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vahidmarefat/) - [ 17 Aug 2026 Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions - ![Nicolas Samson](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/197852/Nicolas-Samson.webp) Nicolas Samson, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Structure ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/structural-engineering-early-phase-unlocking-value-through-early-decisions "Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions") - [ 12 Aug 2026 Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets - ![Caroline provost](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/208557/Caroline-provost.webp) Caroline Provost P.Eng. Director, Operational Strategy Implementation ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/four-mistakes-that-can-harm-the-future-performance-of-industrial-assets "Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets") - [ 27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance") - [ 02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") Let’s think it further together [ Contact us ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) 1. The complexities of waste rock stockpiles are often underestimated. Slope stability analysis for such earth structures is usually carried out using two-dimensional (2D) slope stability methods. Furthermore the sections used in the analysis are often idealized. Selecting a typical or critical section is left to the designer. Given the number of parameters that can affect stability this approach may not always bring focus to those areas of the waste stock pile which are most critical. As such, three-dimensional (3D) slope stability analysis offers a more complete screening tool which assists the designer in identifying the most critical areas. Mining projects, in which complex co-deposition schemes are employed, using both fine and coarse material, coupled 3D seepage and slope stability analysis can prove useful. This allows modelling the impact of various co-deposition methods on the waste rock pile’s hydraulic regime and its effect on stability. Some complex co-deposition configurations modelling cannot be carried out with 2D analysis. Note that this white paper was the subject of a presentation at the Tailings and Mine Waste’18 Conference in Colorado State University. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA