Post-peak failure modulus in problems of mining geo-mechanics

This paper presents one of the geo-mechanical parameters — post-peak failure modulus. It is a parameter of great importance in solving various problems of mining geo-mechanics at the current level of experimental knowledge. Post-peak failure modulus is obtained through examining rock samples which are loaded in a stiff servo-controlled testing machine. Construction of the machine and its parameters enable obtaining stress-strain characteristics the total strain range of the rock which occurs as a result of increasing load until it reaches the level of residual stress. The most important application of post-peak failure modulus in mining geo-mechanics is using it in estimating the destruction of rocks and rock mass, forecasting rock mass proneness to rock bursts and estimating rock burst hazard, determining the optimum pace of advance for mining activities considering induced seismicity and rock mass proneness to rock bursts, dimensioning pillars in room-and-pillar systems and determining failure zones around workings of various shapes.