Numerical Modelling of Mining Near and Beneath Tailings Dam

Authors: Coulthard, MA; Holt, GE Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/808_73

Cite As:
Coulthard, MA & Holt, GE 2008, 'Numerical Modelling of Mining Near and Beneath Tailings Dam', in Y Potvin, J Carter, A Dyskin & R Jeffrey (eds), SHIRMS 2008: Proceedings of the First Southern Hemisphere International Rock Mechanics Symposium, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 341-354, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/808_73



Abstract:
Two coal mining companies proposed to undertake, respectively, longwall mining beneath an existing tailings dam, and open cut mining adjacent to it. 3D numerical stress analyses, using program FLAC3D, were performed to examine this system, as one component of meeting regulatory requirements. Rock cohesions and tensile strengths from earlier 2D modelling had to be reduced by a factor of five to produce modelled surface subsidence comparable with that observed over previous longwall panels. Those properties were then used in the final models, resulting in predicted factors of safety not less than 1.80 for the open cut walls and for the tailings dam. The longwall panels have since been mined, and the open cut is close to completion, without incident.

References: