Description
Book SynopsisMining activities may result in rock mass deterioration and instability that may lead to failure both in underground and open pit mines. Such deterioration represents a safety risk and may result in substantial financial losses. Rock mass response may lead to ground subsidence, fall of ground/caving, inundation, pillar collapse, seismic activities and slope and tailings dam instability. Each response is preceded by warning signs and precursors, which are identified in this book, with a view to providing guidelines for prediction and amelioration of damage to mining structures. Furthermore, case studies of both large scale ground deterioration leading to collapse and geotechnical mine disasters are presented. Identifying risks and monitoring geotechnical precursors and warning signs allows for safe and productive mining.
Table of ContentsIntroduction. Factors affecting rock mass response to mining. Case studies of rock mass response to underground mining. Case studies of rock mass response to surface mining. Case studies of inundations. Effect of discontinuities on the initiation of failure process. Behaviour of rock mass prior to failure. Rock mass behaviour during failure. Post-failure rock mass behaviour. Modes of failure of rock and rock mass. Behaviour of fragmented ore. Mitigation of rock mass response through geotechnical quality assurance.
