Optimization of room-and-pillar dimensions using automated numerical models

Napa-García, Gian Franco; Câmara, Taís Renata; Torres, Vidal

doi:10.1016/j.ijmst.2019.02.003

Cited by 19 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…The modified Newton Raphson method is used to solve the nonlinear system of equations (Equation ( 24)). During the equilibrium iterations, the return mapping algorithm 52 is adopted to return the stresses at the integration points to the Mohr-Coulomb yield surface according to Equation (28). This return mapping procedure is the same as that adopted by standard finite element techniques.…”

Section: F I G U R E 4 Quadtree Decomposition Of Imagementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other numerical methods such as the finite different method and the boundary element method have been used to optimised geotechnical parameters in mining industry. 28,29 Recently, artificial neural networks (ANNs) trained with large number of numerical models have been applied to geotechnical problems as a predictor of slope stability. 30 Sun et al 31 proposed a back-analysis method combining the finite different method with intelligent multi-objective optimisation for predicting slope deformation of excavation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Simultaneous slope design optimisation and stability assessment using a genetic algorithm and a fully automatic image‐based analysis

Wijesinghe

Dyson

You

et al. 2022

Num Anal Meth Geomechanics

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Mine slope design is a complex task that requires consideration of geotechnical analysis, structural stability, economics and the environment. Economic factors usually drive mine slope design, particularly in the case of open‐pit designs, where the process of steepening slope walls by several degrees can have profound financial implications. Due to the risks associated with catastrophic slope collapse, slope stability analysis is an integral component of open‐pit engineering projects. However, initial design concepts and geotechnical assessments are often considered separately. In this study, a technique is developed that combines the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) with genetic algorithms (GAs) to simultaneously perform slope stability analysis and optimise the slope profile. The iterative design approach optimises characteristics of the slope profile such as the slope height, width, angle and number of benches while ensuring the factor of safety (FoS) remains above a threshold value. A salient feature of the technique is the ability to automatically address the modifications to the geometry of the slope by updating the digital images used in the analysis to assess the stability of each instance in the optimisation process and determine the optimum slope geometry. The results highlight the application of the developed technique to determine appropriate slope excavation designs as well as slope backfilling scenarios. The method is exemplified in several cases where complex stratigraphies and spatially variable materials are considered. As such, the GA‐driven slope design process conveys an optimised, automated tool, combining mine slope design and slope stability analysis.

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Section: F I G U R E 4 Quadtree Decomposition Of Imagementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simultaneous slope design optimisation and stability assessment using a genetic algorithm and a fully automatic image‐based analysis

Wijesinghe

Dyson

You

et al. 2022

Num Anal Meth Geomechanics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Regarding a mine that uses the room and pillar mining method, the mine pillar is a structure subjected to lithostatic stresses (primary stresses), corresponding to the weight of a prismatic volume of an overlying rock that acts on its top [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Dynamic Stress Produced by Rock Blasting on the Optimal Dimensioning of Room and Pillars in Horizontal Layers

Nunez

Ortiz

Silva

2022

Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

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An optimal dimensioning of the room and pillars of the square or rectangular section is finding adequate transversal section support for the pillar; in that sense, all forces acting on the pillar must be evaluated. The pillar has its ends subjected to normal (σ) and shear stresses (τ). In addition, the pillar can also be subjected to dynamic stresses from the seismic waves generated by rock blasting. Thus, when calculating the dimensions of a mine pillar, the stresses imposed by seismic waves must be considered. The combination of lithostatic and dynamic stresses generated by blasting can affect the pillar, generating regions, or areas that will exhibit the formation of cracks, microcracks, chipping, and other detrimental processes for its stability. In that regard, it is appropriate to assess the dynamic effects of the energy delivered in each wave pulse so that these dynamic quantities can be included in the dimensioning of the pillars. This paper presents the physical and mathematical formulation describing the dimensioning issues of room and pillars and its solution using numerical modeling. The numerical modeling is performed using nonlinear mathematical programming and simulation with FLAC 3D (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3D). In this study, it was proven that the stress generated by the seismic wave represents a dynamic stress of nearly 5.5 MPa. 'Dimensioned pillars considering wave stresses allows it to recover an average 1.6% less when it is compared with pillars only under overlying rock mass'.

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“…Numerical modeling methods for modeling underground stopes have become ever more important with the advancements in computing power which allows numerical modeling of the behavior of rock mass for increasingly complex scenarios [44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54]. Both continuum-based [55][56][57][58][59], and discrete numerical methods [60][61][62][63][64][65] are used in stope design.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Industry Survey on the Current State of Stope Design Methods in the Underground Mining Sector

2021

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Stope design is a core discipline within mining engineering. This study analyzes the current state-of-the-art of stope design through a survey addressed to mining industry professionals. In stope design research the dominance of empirical methods has slowly shifted towards numerical methods. Recent advancements have mostly focused on the development of stope optimization algorithms. The survey consisted of 19 questions and was distributed to stope design experts via email, LinkedIn messages, and the Mining Industry Professionals network forum. In total, 36 responses of satisfying quality from 20 countries were received and analyzed. No dominance of a single stope design method was recognized. Empirical methods and personal expertise are still used widely. However, a readiness for change in stope design practice was indicated in 87% of responses. The current needs of the stoping-based underground mining sector are to increase the amount of geotechnical data, automate stope design and implement related software, and integrate these into general mine planning. According to 70% of the participants, acquired geotechnical data should be available within three days to be employed in design practice. The industry is ready to implement more efficient stope design methods if they offer results proven in case studies.

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Optimization of room-and-pillar dimensions using automated numerical models

Cited by 19 publications

References 13 publications

Simultaneous slope design optimisation and stability assessment using a genetic algorithm and a fully automatic image‐based analysis

Simultaneous slope design optimisation and stability assessment using a genetic algorithm and a fully automatic image‐based analysis

Effect of Dynamic Stress Produced by Rock Blasting on the Optimal Dimensioning of Room and Pillars in Horizontal Layers

Industry Survey on the Current State of Stope Design Methods in the Underground Mining Sector

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