Paper contribution

Serviceability Assessment of a Mining Waste Dump for Photovoltaic Power Plant Installation

Bojan Susinov; Jovan Br. Papić; Josif Josifovski; Sead Abazi

Proceedings
EUROCK 2026
Pages
1503-1512
Submitted
28 January 2026
Accepted
15 June 2026
Published
12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

This study evaluates the suitability of an open-pit mining waste dump for the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant, with particular emphasis on the serviceability limit state (SLS). A comprehensive geotechnical assessment was conducted to analyze ground deformation due to the dump leaching process, settlement behavior, and overall performance of the waste material under the loads imposed by PV structures. Field investigations, laboratory testing, and numerical modeling were employed to characterize the mechanical properties of the deposited waste and to assess predicted displacements under operational conditions. The results indicate that while global stability of the waste dump is generally satisfactory for static conditions, but critical in seismic conditions. According to the conducted FEM simulations, the ground is expected to exhibit differential settlements. Gas–liquid exchange with the surrounding environment will lead to further changes in the granulometric composition, through chemical processes followed by physical degradation. These processes are expected to continue even if the leaching process is discontinued and will result in a further reduction of the strength and deformability properties. It is not possible to precisely delineate the zones in which differential settlements may occur. Nevertheless, based on evidence obtained from geodetic monitoring, the greatest magnitudes of differential settlement are expected to develop along the margins of the dump floors. Design recommendations and mitigation measures are proposed to ensure acceptable performance throughout the operational lifespan of the PV facility. It includes reduction of slope inclinations and reclamation measures for the complete closure and coverage of all surfaces of the waste dump in order to eliminate any further oxidation processes, other gas and liquid alterations, and the infiltration of atmospheric water into the deposited material. The findings demonstrate that, with appropriate geotechnical evaluation and design considerations, mining waste dumps can be safely and effectively repurposed for photovoltaic power generation.

Contributors

Authors

  1. Bojan Susinov Faculty of Civil Engineering Skopje, North Macedonia, Republic of ORCID 0000-0002-9306-4171
  2. Jovan Br. Papić Faculty of Civil Engineering Skopje, North Macedonia, Republic of ORCID 0000-0002-2952-302X
  3. Josif Josifovski Faculty of Civil Engineering Skopje, North Macedonia, Republic of ORCID 0000-0001-9771-8331
  4. Sead Abazi Faculty of Civil Engineering Skopje, North Macedonia, Republic of ORCID 0000-0001-8263-600X

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References

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