3-D discontinuum numerical modeling of ore extraction, backfilling and subsidence in an underground iron mine in China

P. H.S.W. Kulatilake, S. Shreedharan, G. Huang, S. Cai, H. Song

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

An underground iron mine in China has been used as a case-study to research the subsidence due to ore extraction and backfilling during open stoping operations. A 3-D discontinuum numerical model was built to scale incorporating geologic complexities including faults and interfaces between different lithologies, and the stoping and backfilling sequence adopted from the mine plans. The stoping was carried out in two vertically stacked horizontal layers, with a total of 16 stopes. Large displacements of up to 50 cm were observed along the roof of the stopes, and a maximum surface subsidence of 22.5 cm was observed at the surface. Backfilling was found to eliminate subsequent deformation and subsidence from occurring. The extraction of the upper orebody was found to influence deformations in the lower orebody. Finally, a subsidence profile was constructed to show the subsidence at all locations along the length of the surface and region of influence on the surface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Pages3144-3151
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781510828025
StatePublished - 2016
Event50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016 - Houston, United States
Duration: Jun 26 2016Jun 29 2016

Publication series

Name50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
Volume4

Other

Other50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period6/26/166/29/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geophysics

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