Stability Analysis of Deep Underground Stopes with Transverse Method of Extraction Using 3-Dimensional Numerical Modelling Technique
摘要
Stability of underground structures below an open pit mine is of primary concern, especially when dealing with large scale production in deep underground mines. An underground copper ore deposit is to be extracted using large diameter blast hole method with transverse stoping as a method of extraction. The total depth of underground mine is around 600 m below ground level. This paper is focused on static responses of LDBH stopes with a level interval of 60 m for the first level, followed by 75 m level interval for the subsequent 4 levels. The stope width is 20 m with rib pillar thickness of 20 m in between two adjacent stopes. The crown pillar thickness between two subsequent levels is 12 m with trough height of 15 m for each level. Numerical simulations are carried out using static loading condition with mass ore extraction from stopes. 3D finite element analyses are carried out to examine the stability of transverse stopes considering ubiquitous joint conditions. Three joint sets, which are found prominent during the scanline survey of the underground mine, are considered for the present study. The average spacing of the joint sets varies between 0.5 and 1.5 m. The rock mass condition varies between fair and good, based on Rock Mass Rating system (RMR) of classification with an average compressive strength of 145 MPa. Parametric study is carried out to study the influence of critical factors such as the stoping sequence, mining depth, material properties and the backfilling of the stopes. A total of 93 different models are analyzed for the present study varying the above parameters. Stability of underground structures are evaluated in terms of safety factor, vertical displacement, stress and extent of tensile zones around underground excavated profiles. Some useful conclusions are drawn based on parametric study using numerical modeling, which will establish the sequence of stoping operation as well as enhance the stability and safety of underground structures.