IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Effect of long-term bedrock damage on the stability of deep underground excavations

Abstract

Mine workers are exposed to the risk of falling earth resulting from the instability of rock masses around mining excavations. Since classical analyses have simplifications that limit their validity, the authors want to evaluate a progressive damage model for cases of excavations into hard rock subjected to large stresses. The model studied, more representative of the actual behavior of rocks and rock masses, takes into account time and scale effects on the strength of materials. This more realistic method of analysis is a safer forecasting model, allowing a better evaluation of the support requirements, and therefore a better design of the underground mine excavations. The report includes examples of the application of the model in the laboratory and in an actual situation.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0098-0040
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2002
Team:
  • Michel Aubertin (Polytechnique Montréal)
  • Luc Vandamme (Centre de technologie Noranda)
  • Denis Labrie (Centre canadien de la technologie des minéraux et de l'énergie)