Numerical and theoretical study of large-scale failure of strata overlying sublevel caving mines with steeply dipping discontinuities

The deformation and fracture evolution mechanisms of the strata overlying mines mined using sublevel caving were studied via numerical simulations.Moreover,an expression for the normal force acting on the side face of a steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beam in the surrounding rock was deduced based on limit equilibrium theory.The results show the following:(1)surface displacement above metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities shows significant step characteristics,and(2)the behavior of the strata as they fail exhibits superimposition characteristics.Generally,failure first occurs in certain superimposed strata slightly far from the goaf.Subsequently,with the constant downward excavation of the orebody,the superimposed strata become damaged both upwards away from and downwards toward the goaf.This process continues until the deep part of the steeply dipping superimposed strata forms a large-scale deep fracture plane that connects with the goaf.The deep fracture plane generally makes an angle of 12°-20°with the normal to the steeply dipping discontinuities.The effect of the constant outward transfer of strata movement due to the constant outward failure of the superimposed strata in the metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities causes the scope of the strata movement in these mines to be larger than expected.The strata in the metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities mainly show flexural toppling failure.However,the steeply dipping structural strata near the goaf mainly exhibit shear slipping failure,in which case the mechanical model used to describe them can be simplified by treating them as steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beams.By taking the steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beam that first experiences failure as the key stratum,the failure scope of the strata(and criteria for the stability of metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities mined using sublevel caving)can be obtained via iterative computations from the key stratum,moving downward toward and upwards away from the goaf.

Prediction of strength and deformability of an interlocked blocky rock mass using UDEC

The accurate prediction of strength and deformability characteristics of rock mass is a challenging issue.In practice,properties of a rock mass are often estimated from available empirical relationships based on the uniaxial compressive strength(UCS).However,UCS does not always give a good indication of in situ rock mass strength and deformability.The aim of this paper is to present a methodology to predict the strength and deformability of a jointed rock mass using UDEC(universal distinct element code).In the study,the rock mass is modelled as an assemblage of deformable blocks that can yield as an intact material and/or slide along predefined joints within the rock mass.A range of numerical simulations of uniaxial and triaxial tests was conducted on rock mass samples in order to predict the equivalent mechanical properties for the rock mass under different loading directions.Finally,results are compared with the deformability parameters obtained by analytical methods.

Failure mechanism and control technology of deep soft-rock roadways:Numerical simulation and field study

Large deformations such as roof subsidence,floor heave,and two-sided deformations occur frequently in deep soft-rock roadways.The deformation becomes more severe under the combined effect of high in-situ and mining-induced stresses,which detrimentally affect the safe mining of coal.Based on the geological conditions and roadway failure characteristics of the Nanyaotou coal mine in Shanxi province,China,we used comprehensive numerical simulations and field observations to study roadway deformation and failure.The deformation mechanism of deep soft-rock roadways under dynamic pressures is described,and the corresponding control measures are proposed.The deformation and fracture development characteristics of roadways surrounding rocks were explored with a primary support scheme,and its effects were evaluated.The radius of the plastic zone and the displacement deformation of the roadway were studied by using theoretical analysis,and a combined-support design of‘‘anchor bolt+anchor cable+shotcrete+deep and shallow borehole grouting+inverted arch”was proposed to limit deformations and relieve the stress in the surrounding rocks.Numerical simulations and field monitoring showed that the combined support scheme can effectively mitigate the large deformations of ventilation roadways and provide guidance for the stable control of deep soft-rock roadways.