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Role of Rock Mass Fabric and Faulting in the Development of Block Caving Induced Surface Subsidence

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Abstract

Extraction of a large volume of ore during block caving can lead to the formation of significant surface subsidence. Current knowledge of the mechanisms that control subsidence development is limited as are our subsidence prediction capabilities. Mining experience suggests that, among other contributing factors, geological structures play a particularly important role in subsidence development. A conceptual modeling study has been undertaken to evaluate the significance of geological structure on surface subsidence. A hybrid finite/discrete element technique incorporating a coupled elasto-plastic fracture mechanics constitutive criterion is adopted; this allows physically realistic modeling of block caving through simulation of the transition from a continuum to a discontinuum. Numerical experiments presented emphasize the importance of joint orientation and fault location on mechanisms of subsidence development and the governing role of geological structure in defining the degree of surface subsidence asymmetry.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge research funding provided by Rio Tinto and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. We would also like to acknowledge research collaboration with Allan Moss and Andre van As (Rio Tinto), Erik Eberhardt, Scott Dunbar and Malcolm Scoble (University of British Columbia). Technical support of Rockfield Technology Ltd. (UK) is gratefully appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Copper Projects Group, Rio Tinto Ltd., 354-200 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1S4, Canada

    Alexander Vyazmensky

  2. Mining Division, Golder Associates Ltd., Vancouver, Canada

    Davide Elmo

  3. Department of Earth Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada

    Douglas Stead

Authors
  1. Alexander Vyazmensky
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  2. Davide Elmo
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  3. Douglas Stead
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Correspondence to Alexander Vyazmensky.

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Vyazmensky, A., Elmo, D. & Stead, D. Role of Rock Mass Fabric and Faulting in the Development of Block Caving Induced Surface Subsidence. Rock Mech Rock Eng 43, 533–556 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-009-0069-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-009-0069-6

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