Xu, Y-H, Jakubec, J, Blake, T, Cai, M, Thomas, A & Esterhuizen, G 2024, 'Insights from studying intrinsic hard rock behaviour for rockburst hazard identification', in P Andrieux & D Cumming-Potvin (eds), Deep Mining 2024: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining, pp. 1135-1148, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2465_74
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2465_74_Xu/)
Abstract: In conventional laboratory rock tests the classical post-peak behaviours of hard rock are defined by two distinct post-peak behaviours: one is self-triggered or violent (so-called Class II), and the other is stable (socalled Class I). Recent laboratory rock test results using a novel testing machine, along with reviews of field observations, suggest that there seems to be only one type of post-peak deformation behaviour for hard rock if the rock is loaded using axial-strain-controlled loading. The previously identified self-triggered postpeak behaviour captured by conventional rock testing machines is now considered artificial. This work offers clear insights into identifying and addressing violent hard rock failures in deep mining. In such settings, mining-induced stresses can reach the rock mass strength near excavations, leading to seismic hazards like rockbursts that pose significant threats to workplace safety and mining activity. Based on deep mining practices across different regions worldwide, a review followed by a discussion was conducted on rockburst conditions in various mining scenarios, including stoping with or without backfill, room-and-pillar mining, block/panel caving and sublevel caving.

Keywords: loading system stiffness, Class I post-peak behaviour, Class II post-peak behaviour, rockburst hazard, stoping, caving, room-and-pillar mining