How does the angle of repose affect the design of stockpiles and waste dumps?

The angle of repose directly determines the stable slope angle of stockpiles and waste dumps, influencing their overall shape, footprint, and storage capacity. The angle of repose is the steepest angle at which a pile of granular material will remain stable without slumping or collapsing. It is determined by factors such as the particle size, shape, and moisture content of the material. A material with a high angle of repose will form a steeper pile, while a material with a low angle of repose will form a flatter pile. When designing stockpiles and waste dumps, it is essential to consider the angle of repose of the material being stored. The slopes of the stockpile or waste dump must be less than or equal to the angle of repose to ensure stability. If the slopes are too steep, the material will slump or collapse, reducing the storage capacity and potentially creating safety hazards. The angle of repose also affects the footprint of the stockpile or waste dump. For a given volume of material, a flatter pile (lower angle of repose) will require a larger footprint than a steeper pile (higher angle of repose). This can be an important consideration when space is limited. In addition, the angle of repose can affect the method of material handling used for stockpiles and waste dumps. Materials with low angles of repose may be more difficult to handle because they tend to spread out and flow easily. The angle of repose must be accurately determined to ensure the safe and efficient design and operation of stockpiles and waste dumps. This can be done through laboratory testing or by observing the behavior of the material in the field.