Rock Block Shape Clustering and Simulation Data for an Open-Pit Mine

This dataset supports a novel quantitative method for characterizing rock mass structures at the system scale. It contains MATLAB source code for a spectral clustering method using a Shape Similarity Index (SSI), case-study data from a U.S. open-pit mine including structural plane (DFN) and derived rock block system data, and rockfall simulation input/output files. The data enables the determination of representative shapes, sizes, and blocks for engineering analysis.

Use Cases

• Clustering polyhedral rock blocks based on geometric similarity using the provided Shape Similarity Index (SSI) and spectral clustering code.
• Determining representative rock block shapes and sizes for site-specific engineering analyses from clustered block groups.
• Conducting rockfall trajectory simulations using the provided geometric slope models, representative blocks, and simulation outputs.
• Analyzing structural plane system (DFN) data, including center points, orientations, and radii, for discontinuity network modeling.
• Calculating block volumes and topology from the derived rock block system vertex data.

Strengths

• Includes a complete implementation of the novel characterization method with MATLAB source code and supporting functions.
• Provides a multi-component dataset with case-study data, simulation data, and code, supporting method validation and application.
• Released under a permissive CC-BY-4.0 license, facilitating reuse and modification.

Limitations

• Column names and exact row counts for the tabular data are not specified in the provided metadata.
• The dataset's total size is known (4.6 MB), but the scale of the case study (e.g., number of blocks or fractures) is not quantified.
• The 'Last updated' date (2026-03-21) is in the future relative to the current date, indicating a potential metadata error.

Provenance

Source

Zheqi Tian, author of the manuscript 'Cluster analysis of rock block shapes: A novel quantitative method for characterising rock mass structures.'

Collection Method

Derived from a case study of an open-pit mine in the United States; rock block system data generated from structural plane (DFN) data.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated: 2026-03-21 13:16:31

Geography

Open-pit mine in the United States.