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Numerical Simulation of Crack Evolution Mechanism and Subsidence Characteristics Effected by Rock Mass Structure in Block Caving Mining

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Abstract

In the block caving mining, the significant rock mass deformation and surface subsidence will be formed with the continuous extraction of ore. However, the internal crack evolution mechanisms in rock mass and associated subsidence characteristics present one of the key issues in rock mining engineering. Although block caving method has been used for many years, current knowledge of the crack evolution mechanisms, the subsidence characteristics under the influence of rock mass structure and subsidence prediction capabilities are limited. Based on the rock mechanics model provided by CEMI (Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation), crack evolution mechanisms and subsidence characteristics effected by the rock mass structure in block caving are numerically investigated using RFPA 2D, a numerical code based on FEM (Finite Element Method). Crack formation, propagation and coalescence in the overlying strata and the stress-balancing arch evolution in the stress field are represented visually during the whole process of extraction. The numerically obtained crack evolution shows that the stress-balancing arch has a significant influence on the fracture development of rock mass, and directly determines the slump form and rate of the rock mass. After understanding of the crack evolution mechanism in rock mass, the characteristics of surface subsidence are analyzed. Numerical experiments emphasize the geometrical configuration of joints and faults about mechanisms of subsidence development, including joints orientation, faults location and inclination, which can provide significantly meaningful guides for investigation of subsidence mechanisms and implementation of remedial measures.

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Acknowledgements

The study is jointly supported by grants from the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51534003), Inner Mongolia Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 2021BS05011), National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2016YFC0801606). The authors are grateful for these supports.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Mining and Coal, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, 014010, China

    Dongjie Zhang & Shuai Guo

  2. Petro China Liaohe Oilfield Company, Panjin, 124010, China

    Jianduo Wang

  3. Center of Mining Research, School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China

    Jianli Cao

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  1. Dongjie Zhang
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  2. Jianduo Wang
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  3. Shuai Guo
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  4. Jianli Cao
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Correspondence to Dongjie Zhang.

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Zhang, D., Wang, J., Guo, S. et al. Numerical Simulation of Crack Evolution Mechanism and Subsidence Characteristics Effected by Rock Mass Structure in Block Caving Mining. Geotech Geol Eng 40, 5377–5395 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-022-02220-8

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