Study on formation mechanism of mud-inclusion-type underground debris flows using natural caving method

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the formation mechanism of the mud-inclusion-type underground debris flows of natural caving underground mines. The characteristics of fine moraine particles flowing through the coarse-grained ore bed were used to analyze the formation process of mud inclusions in the caving ore bed through a physical model test. Based on the movement behavior of the mud inclusions of moraine in the caving ore bed, a formation-mechanism generalized model of underground debris flows with mud inclusions was established. The model was used to examine the formation mechanism of mud-inclusion-type underground debris flows in natural caving. The results showed that the fine moraine particles had good cross-flow characteristics in the process of drawing coarse-grained ore. The accumulation of fine moraine in the ore bed was a prerequisite for the formation of mud inclusions, and the fluid inclusions were formed by a mixture of the particles with the infiltrated water. When mud inclusions in moraine are affected by many factors, such as ore-drawing vibrations, blasting vibrations, and groundwater, the inclusions undergo multiple migration–stop–migration cycles, resulting in separation or fusion. However, the inclusions are released along the optimal random pore path to the outlet, forming a certain scale of underground debris flows accidents. The accuracy and reliability of the formation mechanism were verified through geophysical explorations based on the equivalent inverse flux transient electromagnetic method. This study not only broadens the research on debris flow, but also provides theoretical guidance for the prevention and control of underground debris flows.