Shear creep parameters of simulative soil for deep-sea sediment

Based on mineral component and in-situ vane shear strength of deep-sea sediment, four kinds of simulative soils were prepared by mixing different bentonites with water in order to find the best simulative soil for the deep-sea sediment collected from the Pacific C-C area. Shear creep characteristics of the simulative soil were studied by shear creep test and shear creep parameters were determined by Burgers creep model. Research results show that the shear creep curves of the simulative soil can be divided into transient creep, unstable creep and stable creep, where the unstable creep stage is very short due to its high water content. The shear creep parameters increase with compressive stress and change slightly or fluctuate to approach a constant value with shear stress, and thus average creep parameters under the same compressive stress are used as the creep parameters of the simulative soil. Traction of the deep-sea mining machine walking at a constant velocity can be calculated by the shear creep constitutive equation of the deep-sea simulative soil, which provides a theoretical basis for safe operation and optimal design of the deep-sea mining machine.     

Analysis of factors and countermeasures of mining subsidence in Kaiyang Phosphorus Mine

1 INTRODUCTION After useful mineral body has been mined and dragged out, mining goaf is formed and country rocks would probably lose original equivalence. When span of the goaf is long enough, even if the roof is hard and intact, the rock around the goaf would move towards the mining openings, and this movement would pass on to the adjoining rock mass until it reaches the surface and ground displacement can be observed. In other words, underground mining may cause ground cracks and surface…     

Similar material simulation of time series system for induced caving of roof in continuous mining under backfill

With the help of similar material simulation test,time series system for induced caving of roof in continuous mining under complex backfill in ore body No.92 of Tongkeng Tin Mine was studied. According to the similarity theory,a two-dimensional similar simulation test-bed was constructed. The stress and displacement that change along with the advance of mining were acquired and analyzed automatically by data system. The processes of continuous mining of ore-block in 5 intervals and artificial induced caving of roof were simulated. The results of the test show that ore body remained as safety roof in thickness of 15 m guarantees the safe advance of stoping work face. Caving of safety roof puts in practice at the first two mining intervals when the third interval of continuous mining is finished,and one interval as the safety distance should be kept all the time between stopping and caving. While mining in the last interval,pre-slotting should be implemented first of all,and the roof of the last two mining intervals is caved simultaneously. Only this kind of time series system can be an efficient and safe way for induced caving of roof in continuous mining.     

Surface movement above old coal longwalls after mine closure

Although most subsidence occurs in the months and years after mining by the longwall method, surface movement is still occurring many decades after the mining. The aim of the study is to quantify the long term behavior. Satellite data(radar-interferometry) were analyzed to study an area of about 2 km~2 during the 18 years following the closure of the underground infrastructure and the flooding of the underground workings and rock mass. It was observed that, on average, a residual downward movement took place till 7–12 years after the closure, followed by a clear uplift. However, the first signs of an uplift occurred in certain sub-areas 3–4 years after the closure. Zones within the area studied were identified with either larger or smaller movements. However, the spatial variation of the surface subsidence or uplift could not be directly explained by the characteristics of mining.     

Calculation of the Limiting Deformation in Stopping-and-Filling by the Finite Element Method and itsInfluence Upon the Packed Volumn

The stability of buildings on the surface will be influenced by underground mining. For the purposes of safe mining and buildings protecting around mining area, the rock and soil distortion should be forecasted. By using the results of the elastic-finite-element method simulation, we can calculate the tilting, horizontal deformation and curvature of the surface and the strata. Wushan Copper Mine was taken as an example to analyze the reasons of accident and beyond standard limit, and the influence on the safety of the packed volumn .     

FEM modeling for 3D dynamic analysis of deep-ocean mining pipeline and its experimental verification

3D dynamic analysis models of 1000 m deep-ocean mining pipeline, including steel lift pipe, pump, buffer and flexible hose, were established by finite element method (FEM). The coupling effect of steel lift pipe and flexible hose, and main external loads of pipeline were considered in the models, such as gravity, buoyancy, hydrodynamic forces, internal and external fluid pressures, concentrated suspension buoyancy on the flexible hose, torsional moment and axial force induced by pump working. Some relevant FEM models and solution techniques were developed, according to various 3D transient behaviors of integrated deep-ocean mining pipeline, including towing motions of track-keeping operation and launch process of pipeline. Meanwhile, an experimental verification system in towing water tank that had similar characteristics of designed mining pipeline was developed to verify the accuracy of the FEM models and dynamic simulation. The experiment results show that the experimental records and simulation results of stress of pipe are coincided. Based on the further simulations of 1 000 m deep-ocean mining pipeline, the simulation results show that, to form configuration of a saddle shape, the total concentrated suspension buoyancy of flexible hose should be 95%?105% of the gravity of flexible hose in water, the first suspension point occupies 1/3 of the total buoyancy, and the second suspension point occupies 2/3 of the total buoyancy. When towing velocity of mining system is less than 0.5 m/s, the towing track of buffer is coincided with the setting route of ship on the whole and the configuration of flexible hose is also kept well.     

Study of “3-Step Mining” Subsidence Control in Coal Mining Under Buildings

Mining subsidence damage is the main factor of restricting coal mining under buildings. To control or ease effectively the degree of mining subsidence and deformation is essential to resolve this problem. Through analyzing both advantages and disadvantages of some technologies such as mining with stowing, partial extraction and grouting in separated beds of overburden, we used the principle of load replacement and propose a “3-step mining” method, a new pattern of controlling mining subsidence, which consists of： strip mining, i.e. grouting to fill and consolidate the caving zone and retained strip pillar mining. The mechanism of controlling mining subsidence by using the “3-step mining” pattern is analyzed. The effect of the control is numerically simulated. The preliminary analysis shows that the “3-step mining” can effectively control ground subsidence and deformation. By using this method, the ground subsidence factor can be controlled to a value of about 0.25. Coal recovery can reach 80%-90%. Coal mining without removing surface buildins can be realized and the economic loss resultin from round subsidence can be greatly reduced.     

Investigation and characterization of mining subsidence in Kaiyang Phosphorus Mine

In Kaiyang Phosphorus Mine, serious environmental and safety problems are caused by large scale mining activities in the past 40 years. These problems include mining subsidence, low recovery ratio, too much dead ore in pillars, and pollution of phosphorus gypsum. Mining subsidence falls into four categories： curved ground and mesa, ground cracks and collapse hole, spalling and eboulement, slope slide and creeping. Measures to treat the mining subsidence were put forward： finding out and managing abandoned stopes, optimizing mining method （cut and fill mining method）, selecting proper backfilling materials （phosphogypsum mixtures）, avoiding disorder mining operation, and treating highway slopes. These investigations and engineering treatment methods are believed to be able to contribute to the safety extraction of ore and sustainable development in Kaiyang Phosphorus Mine.     

Green coal mining technique integrating mining-dressing-gas draining-backfilling-mining

Aiming to address the following major engineering issues faced by the Pingdingshan No. 12 mine:(1) difficulty in implementing auxiliary lifting because of its depth(i.e., beyond 1000 m);(2) highly gassy main coal seam with low permeability;(3) unstable overlying coal seam without suitable conditions for implementing conventional mining techniques for protective coal seam; and(4) predominant reliance on ‘‘under three" coal resources to ensure production output. This study proposes an integrated, closed-cycle mining-dressing-gas draining-backfilling-mining(MDGBM) technique. The proposed approach involves the mining of protective coal seam, underground dressing of coal and gangue(UDCG), pressure relief and gas drainage before extraction, and backfilling and mining of the protected coal seam. A system for draining gas and mining the protective seam in the rock stratum is designed and implemented based on the geological conditions. This system helps in realizing pressure relief and gas drainage from the protective seam before extraction. Accordingly, another system, which is connected to the existing production system, is established for the UDCG based on the dense medium-shallow trough process. The mixed mining workface is designed to accommodate both solid backfill and conventional fully mechanized coal mining, thereby facilitating coal mining, USCG, and backfilling. The results show that: The mixed mining workface length for the Ji15-31010 protected seam was 220 m with coal production capacity 1.2 million tons per year, while the backfill capacity of gangue was 0.5 million tons per year. The gas pressure decreased from 1.78 to 0.35 MPa, and the total amount of safely mined coal was 1.34 million tons. The process of simultaneously exploiting coal and draining gas was found to be safe, efficient, and green.This process also yielded significant economic benefits.     

Determining the rational layout parameters of the lateral high drainage roadway serving for two adjacent working faces

To determine the rational layout parameters of the lateral high drainage roadway(LHDR) serving for two adjacent working faces, a mechanical model of the LHDR under mining influence was established, and the overburden fissure, mining-induced stress distribution rules were analyzed. First, the development characteristics of mining-induced overburden fissure and the stress distribution law of the upper section of the working face were analyzed. Second, by analyzing the distribution law of vertical stress at different layers, the lateral distance of the LHDR was determined as 25 m. Third, by analyzing the surrounding rock deformation effect, stress distribution law, and overburden fissure distribution law of the LHDR at the heights of 20, 25, and 30 m away from the roof, the rational horizon of the LHDR was determined to be 25 m. Finally, an example of a LHDR located 25 m above the roof of the No. 2 coal seam and 25 m away from the No. 2-603 working face was presented. Results show that when the No. 2-603 coalface is being mined, the surrounding rocks lag 80 m or even further and the working face tends to be stable. The relative deformations of the roof and floor of the roadway and both of its walls were 583 and 450 mm,respectively. The reduction rate of the roadway section was 21.52%–25.32%. The section of the roadway was sufficient to extract the pressure relief gas in the overburden of the No. 2-605 working face. The average gas concentration and the pure volume at the branch pipeline were 24.8% and 22.3 m~3/min,respectively, showing that the position of high-level boreholes was reasonable.     

Slope safety control during mining below a landslide

The East Open Pits of Daye Iron Mine were closed in year 2000 and the ore beyond the pit limit was planned to be mined by underground ways. In order to facilitate the smooth transition to underground mining, hanging-wall ores in the old pits were scheduled to be mined. Xiangbishan pit is one of the four mining spots selected. In 1979 when the pit was mined to around 36 m a.s.l., a landside of around 70000 m³ occurred in its North Slope, leading to the closure of the pit. The pit was then backfilled to 60 m a.s.l. to maintain the slope stability. The hanging-wall ore to be mined is just located below the old slide, so whether the slide will be reactivated and how to control its deformation and stability are the key issues concerned. Based on geological investigation and numerical analysis, it was predicted that the slide would be reactivated and a control measure using the intact ore body as a retaining wall was thus suggested. During mining, displacements were monitored to assure safety. By July, 2003, 383000 tons of ore were successfully mined. Though the observed displacement reached 8795 mm, no major failure happened. The final slope is 110 m high with an angle of 70°.     

Stability and reliability of pit slopes in surface mining combined with underground mining in Tonglushan mine

Slope stability is of critical importance in the process of surface-underground mining combination. The influence of underground mining on pit slope stability was mainly discussed, and the self-stabilization of underground stopes was also studied. The random finite element method was used to analyze the probability of the rock mass stability degree of both pit slopes and underground stopes. Meanwhile, 3D elasto-plastic finite element method was used to research into the stress, strain and rock mass failure resulting from mining. The results of numerical simulation indicate that the mining of the underground test stope has certain influence on the stability of the pit slope, but the influence is not great. The safety factor of pit slope is decreased by 0.06, and the failure probability of the pit slope is increased by 1.84%. In addition, the strata yielding zone exists around the underground test stope. The results basically conform to the information coming from the field monitoring.     

Application of open-pit and underground mining technology for residual coal of end slopes

Given the conditions of residual coal from the boundary of a flat dipping open-pit mine,which uses strip areas mining and inner dumping with slope-covering,we propose an open-pit and underground integrated mining technology for residual coal of end slopes.In the proposal a conveyance road and ventilation conveyance near the slope are built,corresponding to the pit mining area and the surface coal mine dump,as well as an interval haulage tunnel and air-inlet tunnel.The outcome shows that such mining method may reduce the effect to slope stability from underground mining,it does not affect the dumping advance and has a high recovery rate of residual coal resources.The working face is timbered by single hydraulic props,transported by a scraper conveyor and supported by coal walls.This method of mining is one of layered top coal caving,with high resource recovery,low production cost where positive economic benefit can be realized.     

Strategic mining options optimization:Open pit mining,underground mining or both

Near-surface deposits that extend to considerable depths are often amenable to both open pit mining and/or underground mining. This paper investigates the strategy of mining options for an orebody using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming(MILP) optimization framework. The MILP formulation maximizes the Net Present Value(NPV) of the reserve when extracted with(i) open pit mining,(ii) underground mining, and(iii) concurrent open pit and underground mining. Comparatively, implementing open pit mining generates a higher NPV than underground mining. However considering the investment required for these mining options, underground mining generates a better return on investment than open pit mining. Also, in the concurrent open pit and underground mining scenario, the optimizer prefers extracting blocks using open pit mining. Although the underground mine could access ore sooner, the mining cost differential for open pit mining is more than compensated for by the discounting benefits associated with earlier underground mining.     

Recovery of Level Pillar between Open-pit and Underground Mine by Using Underhand Heading Fill Method

The upper part of the Fujia deposit was mined out by open-pit, and the lower part is being mined underground. The level pillar between open-pit and underground mine had a thickness of 24 m, a length of 300 m and a maximum width of 35 m. As the level pillar contained about 5.2 million ton ore of high nickel grade, it was necessary to recover the level pillar. Because of special need of safety, underhand heading cut-and-fill stoping method was used. For the first two layers of heading, the cemented fill materials were a mix of water and high-aluminum-content cement with silicate gelling agent; and for other heading layers, total tailings was added into the fill mix in order to reduce the cement consumption. Finally, the level pillar was recovered successfully.     

大空间建筑环形点式重载作用下深废矿坑岩壁变形稳定性数值分析

近年来,大城市工程建设急速发展,土地资源愈发紧张,一些矿产资源型城市中出现了利用废弃天然矿坑进行地下空间开发的改造项目。以长沙湘江欢乐城项目深废矿坑改造开发工程为背景,针对矿坑边坡稳定性以及受建筑结构点式荷载作用下的岩壁与基础协同作用问题,利用数值分析手段建立三维岩壁-建筑结构相互作用模型。研究岩壁在环形点式受荷条件下的表现,并探究遭遇突发性岩壁变形及承载状态变化后,岩壁与结构的稳定性变化情况。结果表明,在天然状况下废弃矿坑的开采高边坡基本处于稳定状态;而施工扰动和建筑荷载造成的应力变形仅发生于岩壁表面,未达岩体深部;岩壁由于突发灾害产生的局部大变形会严重危及支承其上的基础和结构安全;而在合理的建筑物环形点式基础设计布置情况下,基础结构的偶然失效不会影响岩壁和建筑物的稳定性。     

井工开采对边坡稳定性影响的有限元分析

边坡下方井工开采是一个露天煤矿普遍存在的问题。本文采用有限元方法针对某一具体实例进行了数值模拟。模拟考虑了岩体力学特性及岩体结构特征,并模拟了井采过程。通过井采前后边坡岩体应力分析、位移分析,对边坡下方井工开采对边坡稳定性影响获得了一些认识。     

Influence of depth-thickness ratio of mining on the stability of a bedding slope with its sliding surface in concave deformation

In order to study the influence of depth-thickness ratio on bedding slope stability, whose sliding surface is flexural concave in shape under mining conditions, this paper aims to study the characteristics of deformation and damage of bedding sliding with depth-thickness ratios of 200:1, 150:1, 120:1, 100:1 and 50:1by adopting numerical simulation analysis software combined with laboratory-made ‘‘under the influence of mining variable sliding surface slope similar simulation test bed", and to propose identification methods for slope stability under the influence of mining. The results show that mining activities under the slope reduce slope stability. With a decrease in the mining depth ratio, the influence of mining on the slope increases gradually, and the damage to the slope gradually expands, the stability of the slope gradually reduces, fracture occurs on the slope toe and the central fissure gradually develops to the surface,and reaches slide threshold when the depth-thickness ratio is 50:1.     

Rapid and robust slope failure appraisal using aerial photogrammetry and 3D slope stability models

Slope failures are an inevitable aspect of economic pit slope designs in the mining industry. Large open pit guidelines and industry standards accept up to 30% of benches in open pits to collapse provided that they are controlled and that no personnel are at risk. Rigorous ground control measures including real time monitoring systems at TARP(trigger-action-response-plan) protocols are widely utilized to prevent personnel from being exposed to slope failure risks. Technology and computing capability are rapidly evolving. Aerial photogrammetry techniques using UAV(unmanned aerial vehicle) enable geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists to work faster and more safely by removing themselves from potential line-of-fire near unstable slopes. Slope stability modelling software using limit equilibrium(LE) and finite element(FE) methods in three dimensions(3D) is also becoming more accessible, user-friendly and faster to operate. These key components enable geotechnical engineers to undertake site investigations,develop geotechnical models and assess slope stability faster and in more detail with less exposure to fall of ground hazards in the field. This paper describes the rapid and robust process utilized at BHP Limited for appraising a slope failure at an iron ore mine site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia using a combination of UAV photogrammetry and 3D slope stability models in less than a shift(i.e. less than 12 h).