Numerical analysis of underground space and pillar design in metalliferous mine

Malli T., Yetkin M. E., Ozfirat M. K., Kahraman B.

JOURNAL OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENCES, vol.134, pp.365-372, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 134
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2017.07.018
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.365-372
  • Keywords: Pillar design, Stress distribution, Metalliferous underground mines, COAL PILLAR, ROOM, STABILITY, STRENGTH, CRITERIA, WORKINGS
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The basic principle of the room and pillar design is to create an economical and safe underground working environment by leaving as little ore as possible due to the increase in costs today. However, it is a very complex engineering issue to determine the economic pillar size that will ensure the stability of the mine during production operations and work safety. The design of the pillar is based on the production of pillar sizes allowed up to the deformation limits without creating pillar defects and the production of as much valuable ore as possible. In this context, as the ore production is made, the vertical stresses that make up the pillar are increasing and pillar safety is at risk.