Development of methods for assessing the mine workings stability

Abstract

This paper studies the rock mass stress state under highland conditions, depending on the geological structure of a particular rock mass area, the tectonic field of stresses and the region relief. This study is aimed to develop an experimental method for assessing and monitoring the properties and state of the rock mass adjacent to mine workings. Experimental studies are performed through stresses measurements in-situ. Based on research results, it has been revealed that the geological structures, tectonic fields of stresses and the earth’s surface relief of the deposit normally reflect the values and direction of the main stresses acting in the mass. These patterns can be used to predict and assess the stress state of the rock mass. During the mass stress state assessment, quantitative dependences have been obtained for determining the stress tensors conditioned by the overlying rocks weight, tectonics and fracturing, and the deposit surface relief The research results make possible to assess the nature of the stresses distribution, to identify the areas of reduced, equal, increased and maximum stresses concentration of the virgin mass, as well as to increase the efficiency of the geoacoustic control developed by the authors for the state of the mass adjacent to mine working. According to the new patterns and dependences obtained, the values and directions have been scientifically determined of the main stresses action, as well as the zones of stresses manifestation. These patterns and dependences are valuable for designing and planning the development of mining operations.