Numerical Modelling Application in the Management of Deep Mining Excavation Stresses: An Illustrative Study

Abstract

Numerical modelling is an important instrument for rock engineering; it can assist in the design and prediction of failure in rock masses. Dependable results can be obtained from the models if, and only if, the underlying assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of the model are known. A set of guidelines to implement a numerical modelling program can also be used to obtain high-quality and reliable results. The importance of a well-structured numerical modelling program to attain practically reasonable results cannot be overstated. This paper presents an analysis of the results of modelling a rock engineering problem involving deep mining excavations prone to high-stress challenges. The study used Lamodel and Examine 2D. The results obtained show that the two software programs can be used together to complement each other in attaining a deeper understanding of the influence of high stresses on mining excavations at depth. Lamodel and Examine 2D are both boundary element code-based software and are quick and easy to use. More advanced numerical modelling tools could be used, but these two were found to be suitable for the problem at hand. Many diagrams and results can be obtained from the numerical modelling of any rock engineering challenge; in this paper, only those diagrams and results deemed to be most relevant and appropriate to demonstrate the capabilities, limitations, and validity of the numerical modelling of the problem have been presented.