The importance of fracturing and other planes of weakness in the rock mass for the correct selection of chamber widths

Abstract

Determination of the main parameters of development systems is a very important and complex task, the solution of which largely determines the successful conduct of mining operations. Identification of the degree of influence of fracturing on rock stability is of great importance for the correct determination of the parameters of development systems. Since at present it is not possible to do this by calculation, then along with laboratory studies of samples it is necessary to organize special experimental work directly at the mines in order to establish a correction factor for the transition from the strength of samples to the strength of rocks in the massif. The results of laboratory studies of the physical and mechanical properties of rocks can serve as initial data for calculations to determine the parameters of the system, but subject to the establishment of a correction factor for the transition from the strength of the sample to the actual strength of the rock massif. The method for establishing the correction factor should be based on: a) a thorough study of the geological conditions of the deposit (site); b) data from laboratory studies of rock samples; c) the results of experimental work and mine practice; d) based on the proposed development system. The successful solution of the problem of determining the sizes of the elements of the system largely depends on the detail and accuracy of the geological exploration data on the deposit and especially on the knowledge of the structure and disturbance of the rocks of both the ore body and the surrounding rocks.