Dynamic ground support design for burst-prone mines: a systematic framework integrating the burst envelope

Authors: Verma, RK; Hossack, A

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2625_45

Cite As:
Verma, RK & Hossack, A 2026, 'Dynamic ground support design for burst-prone mines: a systematic framework integrating the burst envelope', in D Cumming-Potvin & J Wesseloo (eds), Ground Support 2026: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Ground Support in Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-15, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2625_45

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Abstract:
Rockbursts are sudden, violent failures of rock around underground excavations and may result from strainbursts, pillar bursts or fault slip bursts. Despite extensive research, the need for a unified and reliable methodology for designing ground support systems under dynamic load, persists. This paper reviews existing dynamic ground support design methods and introduces an energy-based ‘burst envelope’ framework for preliminary assessment of rockburst potential. Defined in 3D principal stress space, the burst envelope links rock material properties, specimen size effects, and in situ stress conditions to evaluate the likelihood and severity of strainbursts. By considering different stress paths under true-triaxial loading–unloading conditions, the approach provides mechanistic insight into strainburst initiation, addressing limitations of conventional empirical indices. The study further evaluates key methodologies, including the methods outlined in the Canadian Rockburst Handbook, the rockburst damage potential (RDP) and Western Australia School of Mines (WASM) approaches, as well as numerical modelling techniques for underground rockburst assessment and ground support design in dynamic loading conditions. Limitations are highlighted, particularly in estimating dynamic demand parameters such as peak particle velocity (PPV), which are affected by wave propagation and geological heterogeneity. Key ground support functionality requirements are discussed, emphasising the need for integrated system behaviour under dynamic conditions. A hybrid design framework is proposed, combining burst envelope-based assessment, empirical and analytical methods, and calibrated numerical modelling, continuously updated through field monitoring and back-analysis. This integrated approach provides a pathway toward a more consistent and mechanism-informed design methodology for dynamic ground support design in underground mining.

Keywords: rockburst, strainburst, dynamic ground support, burst envelope

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