For the stability analysis of rock slope, it is very critical to obtain the spatial geometric characteristics of the structural surfaces of the rock mass accurately and effectively. As for a high-steep rock slope of an iron ore mine, in order to solve the problems of inefficiency and high risk of traditional manual geological survey, the geological survey and stability evaluation of the slope was carried out by adopting unmanned aerial vehicle digital photogrammetry (UAV-DP) technology. Firstly, a large number of high-resolution images of the slope were obtained by UAV-DP. Then, the structure from motion (SFM) method was used to construct the fine 3D point cloud model of the slope, which was subjected to coplanarity detection and K-means clustering for identifying the structural surfaces. Finally, the stability and failure model of the slope cut by the structural surfaces are analyzed by using the stereo-projection and discrete element methods. The research results show that the error between UAV-DP and manual measurement is within the acceptable range, which demonstrates the reliability of UAV-DP used in the geological investigation. Furthermore, the stability state and failure model of the slope is also consistent well with the field observation.

In order to avoid the risk of tailing pond failures and to minimize the post-failure losses, it is necessary to analyze the current operation status of tailings ponds, to explore the evolution law of their failure process, to grasp their post-failure impact range, and to propose corresponding effective prevention and control measures. Based on a tailings pond in China, this paper establishes a 1:200 scale indoor model to explore the evolution law of post-failure tailings discharge in a tailings pond under flooded roof conditions; secondly, the finite element difference method and smooth particle fluid dynamics are combined to compare and analyze the post-failure impact area and to delineate the risk prevention and control area. The results of the study show that, during the dam break, the lower tailing sand in the breach is the first to slip, and after forming a steep can, the upper tailing sand in the steep can is pulled to slip, so that the erosion trench mainly develops vertically first, and then laterally. The velocity of the discharged tailing sand will quickly reach its peak value in a short period of time and then decrease to the creeping stage; the front edge of the sand flow is the first to stop moving, and the trailing edge of the tailing sand accumulation depth continues to increase until the end of the dam failure, at which point the initial bottom dam area of the discharge tailing sand flow velocity is the largest. The further the tailings are released from the initial dam, the smaller the accumulation depth and the larger the particle size, and the larger the elevation of the foundation in the same section, the smaller the accumulation depth and the larger the particle size; further, the presence of blocking materials will increase the local tailings accumulation depth. Based on the maximum flow velocity of the discharged tailings and the accumulation depth, the risk area downstream of the tailings pond is divided, so that relocation measures can be formulated. The test results can provide an important reference for the operation and management of similar tailings ponds.

The growing recognition of renewable energy’s importance, particularly its role in sustainability, has propelled wind energy to a prominent position. Receiving substantial global policy support due to its unique advantages, wind energy has seen a significant increase in installed turbine capacity. Consequently, expectations for the foundational bearing performance of these turbines have heightened, reflecting the enhanced focus on sustainable energy solutions. In response to these demands, this research introduces an innovative single pile foundation design that aims to elevate bearing capabilities to new heights. This research delves into the horizontal bearing properties of this novel foundation and the stress-strain dynamics of geotechnical materials under loading conditions. To achieve this, we utilize the Gudehus-Bauer subplastic model, specifically tailored for coastal sands within the ABAQUS finite element analysis software. Calibration and verification of the Gudehus-Bauer model’s parameters were meticulously conducted based on laboratory tests focusing on the coastal sands of the Yangtze River basin in China, enabling the development of a precise finite element model for the new single pile foundation in sandy coastal soils. Our findings reveal that this reinforced single pile foundation not only mirrors the horizontal bearing capacity and failure mechanisms of traditional designs but also surpasses them in performance. Numerically, this innovative structure boasts a remarkable 19.34% increase in horizontal ultimate bearing capacity and a minimum of 21.91% reduction in maximum displacement compared to standard single piles. These results underscore the superior horizontal bearing performance of our novel foundation design, which not only enhances structural integrity but also aligns with the principles of sustainable engineering by optimizing material usage, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to the broader goal of promoting renewable energy as a sustainable energy source.