Bench parameters and their elements
Bench parameters and their elements Now, let’s learn the terminology associated with the pits. Using this figure, we can define key elements. Bench floor: Horizontal surface of the bench Bench face: Vertical surface of the bench Face angle (α): The average angle the face makes with the horizontal Bench height (H): Vertical distance between upper and lower bench surface Toe: Interior vertex formed by the intersection of the bench face and bench floor Crest: Exterior vertex formed by the intersection of the bench floor and bench face Bench width: The distance between the crest and the toe measured along the upper surface Bank width: The horizontal projection of the bench face There are two types of benches in each open pit mine: working benches and safety (catch) benches. Working Benches Working benches are where unit operations (drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling) are performed. Working benches are wider than safety benches t...