Abstract
Current research indicates that underground stability is a function of more than just pillar strength and tributary area loading. From pillar observations and numerical modeling results, one finds that stress interactions between the pillars and the surrounding rock mass can impact mine stability. Therefore, the underground pillar design methodology may benefit from reevaluating the loading conditions of pillar systems. Thus, pillar stability calculations may be able to better account for the behavior of non-homogenous rock as well as stress interactions between different stratigraphic layers within the immediate overburden rockmass. The Ground Reaction Curve (GRC) has been used as a means of correlating strata displacements to stress conditions. In addition, the Support Reaction Curve (SRC) has been used in modeling the response of a support system under load, as a function of support properties and installation time with respect to opening development. In comparing the GRCs and the SRCs for different support systems, one can evaluate the effectiveness of installed support system in maintaining the integrity of the excavated area(s). This paper presents a preliminary investigation into the utilization of the GRC and SRC for the design of mine pillar support systems with respect to anticipated pillar loading and opening convergence.
| Original language | English |
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| State | Published - 2019 |
| Event | 53rd U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium - Brooklyn, United States Duration: Jun 23 2019 → Jun 26 2019 |
Conference
| Conference | 53rd U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Brooklyn |
| Period | 6/23/19 → 6/26/19 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This study was sponsored by the Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health, Inc. (ALPHA FOUNDATION). The views, opinions and recommendations expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not imply any endorsement by the ALPHA FOUNDATION, its Directors and staff.
Funding Information:
This study was sponsored by the Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health, Inc. (ALPHA FOUNDATION). The views, opinions and recommendations expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not imply any endorsement by the ALPHA FOUNDATION, its Directors and staff. The authors would also like to acknowledge the help and support of Appalachian Mining and Engineering, Inc., the underground mine and Ted Klemetti and Mark van Dyke (NIOSH) for the underground installation. The help of Dr. Lorig Loren (Itasca Consulting Group) for reviewing this paper is appreciated.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright 2019 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geochemistry and Petrology
- Geophysics