Wang, X & Cai, M 2014, 'Wave propagation simulation in underground mines by SPECFEM2D', in M Hudyma & Y Potvin (eds), Deep Mining 2014: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 723-738, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1410_52_Wang
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1410_52_Wang/)
Abstract: In burst-prone underground mines, seismic waves generated from a fault slip seismic event may play a critical role in causing relatively large, localised rockburst damage. This study hypothesises that altered wave pattern due to geological structures and mine excavations is one of the important causes of localised rockburst damage resulted from a relatively large fault slip seismic event. The study aims to better understand wave propagation patterns around mine tunnels and to capture peak particle velocity (ppv) accurately for rockburst damage forensic analysis and dynamic support design. For these purposes and as the first step, advanced seismic wave propagation modelling tool SPECFEM2D is used to study complex wave propagation patterns in underground mines.

In the present study, particular attention is directed to the influence of different mine excavations and geological structures on wavefield patterns. The simulation results show that the ppv distribution around a tunnel can be altered largely, leading to high and low ppv zones around the tunnel. Moreover, the response of ground motion and wavefields become more complicated as more mine excavations and geological structures are involved; modulation of travel time and long S-coda waves can be observed in the complex waveforms. Using the modelling approach, areas in a mine that may experience high potential of rockburst damage could be identified and correlated to field observation, and mine safety could be improved by implementing dynamic rock ground support in these areas.