Impact and Severity of Deep Excavations on Stress Tensors in Mining

Abstract

Knowledge of the state of stress regime is important to the mine designers for deciding the method of mining and for strategic design in virgin areas. This knowledge helps them in deciding the mining sequence and rock reinforcement for extraction of ores economically and safely. Generally, as excavation progresses to deeper levels, the stress tensors are also equally affected. Elevated stress regime results in concomitant increase in rock fracturing and mining induced deformations. Rock failure in the periphery of the excavation is somewhat stress related, and it is therefore important to ascertain the extent of stress levels within a given rock formation. The role of stress regime in pre- and post-mining stages is discussed. The research is based on the in-situ stress measurements conducted at deeper levels in mines. The authors also tried to ascertain the redistribution of the stresses due to mining and detect any re-orientation of the stresses due to various other geological factors.