Stability analysis of underground mining openings with complex geometry

Abstract

Stability of mining openings requires consideration of a number of factors, such as: geological structure, the geometry of the underground mining workings, mechanical properties of the rock mass, changes in stress caused by the influence of neighbouring workings. Long-term prediction and estimation of workings state can be analysed with the use of numerical methods. Application of 3D numerical modelling in stability estimation of workings with complex geometry was described with the example of Crystal Caves in Wieliczka Salt Mine. Preservation of the Crystal Caves reserve is particularly important in view of their unique character and the protection of adjacent galleries which are a part of tourist attraction included in UNESCO list. A detailed 3D model of Crystal Caves and neighbouring workings was built. Application of FLAC3D modelling techniques enabled indication of the areas which are in danger of stability loss. Moreover, the area in which protective actions should be taken as well as recommendations concerning the convergence monitoring were proposed.

Application of TLS Remote Sensing Data in the Analysis of the Load-Carrying Capacity of Structural Steel Elements

“…Modern numerical methods require the input of a geometric model into the computational environment. Sources point out the widespread use of point cloud to represent the geometry of chambers in mines [27] and laboratory testing of beam deformation [28]. A similar workflow to that proposed by the authors is observed.…”

Long Term Analysis of Deformations in Salt Mines: Kłodawa Salt Mine Case Study, Central Poland

“…3D finite difference program (FLAC3D, Itasca Consulting Group) was used to project the mechanical behaviour of salt and nonsalt rocks in order to evaluate stability conditions of the mine. FLAC modelling techniques are useful in prediction and monitoring of caverns and rooms stability in salt mines because the programme can simulate the behaviour of materials that exhibit creep (Zhang et al, 2015;Swift & Reddish, 2005;Cała et al, 2016).…”

Development of a geomechatronic complex for the geotechnical monitoring of the contour of a mine working

“…Establishing the difference between a projected initial state of mounting and the operational data makes it possible to control, diagnose and predict the stressed-strained state of a geomechanical space [9]. Depending on the tasks, which are solved, there are two methods commonly used in mining engineering: the method of contour benchmarks and the serif method (the triangle method) [10].…”