Application of DFN–DEM modelling in addressing ground control issues at an underground mine

Abstract

A field case study is presented of an underground Canadian mine reporting ore pass problems. The ore pass has significantly degraded where a fault zone was intercepted. A geotechnical site investigation identified four rock mass domains along the ore pass including a fault zone. This information was used to generate a discrete fracture network (DFN) model for the rock mass. A kinematic analysis revealed that structurally controlled failure was not the only failure mechanism for the ore pass. The DFN model was subsequently used to develop 2D synthetic rock masses of the four rock mass domains. This allowed investigation of the influence of impact-induced damage from the transiting material. The maximum impact-induced damage was recorded for the fault zone. The mine adopted the recommendation to install a grizzly at the ore pass collar and cable bolts around the degraded ore pass zone. The recommendations contributed to the structural integrity of the ore pass.