Identification of Stress Change Within a Rock Mass Through Apparent Stress of Local Seismic Events

Abstract

Mine blasting produces excavation geometry changes which induce stress change that can be observed in the seismic source parameter apparent stress calculated for local seismic events. Using high apparent stress as a proxy for increasing stress within a rock mass, areas experiencing increases in the local stress conditions can be determined. This paper presents the use of apparent stress of seismic events to identify areas within a rock mass experiencing local stress change. Examples from a deep Canadian mine, operating in excess of 2900 m below surface, are provided.