Numerical Modeling of the U1a Complex At the Nevada Test Site: Model Development and Comparison of Different Drift Mining Options

Abstract

Stress analysis programs such as MULSIM/NL, LAMODEL, MinSim 2000, and EXAMINE[superscript TAB] are used in the mining industry to analyze stresses and displacements in coal mines, platinum mines, gold reefs, and tabular-type deposits. These relatively simple numerical models can efficiently simulate yielding and failure of a rock mass near a mine opening and subsequent stress transfer. the main input parameters for these models are a family of nonlinear stress-strain curves for the in-seam material. For many applications of these models, such as in coal mining, extensive field measurements and observations exist from which to estimate these stress-strain curves and calibrate the numerical models; however, such measurements are lacking for other types of mines.

A three-step method is presented to determine nonlinear stress-strain curves for boundary-element (BE) programs used in many mining applications. the method requires a suite of laboratory-scale strength tests at various confining pressures. Note that this analysis uses laboratory-measured strength and modulus properties of alluvium. the dependency of the mechanical properties of alluvium on scale has not been established, although more tests are being planned. However, it is believed that the relative comparisons performed are valuable regardless of scale effects. First, the FLAC2D computer program is used to model the laboratory tests and determine cohesion (c) and friction angle (Φ) for a Mohr-Coulomb material model. Second, another FLAC2D model uses the c and Φ values to calculate vertical stress and strain around a single opening in the rock mass. This model calculates the stress-strain path of points at various distances from the opening boundary. Finally, based on these stress-strain paths, the stress-strain curves needed for a BE analysis are derived.

This three-step method was demonstrated in a large, flat-lying underground test facility in very weak rock. the BE analyses agreed well with observations of failure at the test facility and provided a basis for evaluating the behavior of alternative layouts.

Meeting Name

International Conference on Ground Control in Mining

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2003 West Virginia University, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2003

This document is currently not available here.

Share

 
COinS