Geotechnical Engineering Perspectives: Challenges and Solutions in the Transition to a Post-Lignite Era

Abstract

Coal and lignite regions are on the way to reinvent themselves. In this work, three aspects related to the reclamation and exploitation of these mining areas are analyzed, focusing on the role of geotechnical engineering. Firstly, the slope stability of lignite excavations is examined during the water filling reclamation practice. Secondly, the effect of extreme rainfall is studied on the slope stability of abandoned lignite mines. Finally, aspects of the potential reclamation of a waste dump by a highway or a railroad are investigated. Overall, the three studies underline the importance of geotechnical engineering in the transition to a post-lignite era.

Keywords

• abandoned mines
• mine reclamation
• surface mines
• geotechnics
• slope stability
• Green Deal