3-D discontinuum numerical modeling of rock mass stability investigations due to ore extraction and backfilling, and subsidence estimation for an underground mine

Pinnaduwa H.S.W. Kulatilake, Srisharan Shreedharan, Gang Huang, Sijing Cai, Hongqing Song

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

Abstract

Subsidence prediction due to ore extraction and backfilling during open stoping operations for an underground iron mine in China is reported in this paper. Geologic complexities including faults and interfaces between different lithologies, and the stoping and backfilling sequence adopted from the mine plans are incorporated in building a 3-D discontinuum numerical model. The stoping was simulated in two vertically stacked horizontal layers (Fig. 6), with a total of 16 stopes. Large displacements of up to 50 cm were predicted by the model along the roof of the stopes, and a maximum surface subsidence of 22.5 cm was predicted by the model . Backfilling was found to control subsequent deformation and subsidence. The extraction of the upper orebody led to relatively higher deformations in extracting the lower orebody. Finally, the predicted subsidences at all locations along a subsidence profile on the surface are shown.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication35th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining 2016
EditorsThomas M. Barczak, Syd S. Peng, Stephen C. Tadolini, Donna Schmidt
PublisherSociety for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
Pages222-230
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781510860292
StatePublished - 2016
Event35th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining 2016 - Morgantown, United States
Duration: Jul 26 2016Jul 28 2016

Publication series

Name35th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining 2016

Other

Other35th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMorgantown
Period7/26/167/28/16

Keywords

  • 3DEC
  • Backfilling
  • Discrete element method
  • Ore extraction
  • Surface subsidence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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