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Perspectives on seismic and rockburst research in the South African gold mining industry: 1983–1987

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Abstract

This paper summarizes seismic and rockburst research activities related to South African deep-level gold mines over the period 1983 to 1987. It covers continued research in directions that were considered in the Seismicity in Mines Symposium in 1982 as well as in several new areas of research. Five broad areas are identified:

  1. 1.

    Seismic data acquisition and processing. Improved seismic systems are being developed. Velocity models related to known stratigraphy are being used to provide more accurate estimates of seismic locations.

  2. 2.

    Source mechanisms and near-source effects on seismic wave transmission. This work provides fundamental insights into seismicity and rock behaviour and is being applied in rockburst prediction research.

  3. 3.

    Mine layouts. Excess shear stress is being investigated as a design parameter by analyzing mining configurations and resultant seismicity. In addition, better understanding of the behaviour of highly stressed remnants and pillars is also being obtained from seismic studies.

  4. 4.

    Strong ground motion studies. Evaluation of the performance of support elements, including recently developed backfill materials, requires better knowledge of ground motion around underground excavations during seismic events and rockbursts.

  5. 5.

    Rockburst prediction and control. Rockburst prediction research continues with some reported success. In addition, the feasibility of actively triggering fault slip or conditioning the rock ahead of the stope face to ameliorate the rockburst hazard is currently being investigated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rock Mechanics Laboratory, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, South Africa

    S. M. Spottiswoode

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  1. S. M. Spottiswoode
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Spottiswoode, S.M. Perspectives on seismic and rockburst research in the South African gold mining industry: 1983–1987. PAGEOPH 129, 673–680 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00874532

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