Numerical Simulations of Geomechanical State of Rock Mass Prior to Seismic Events Occurrence: Case Study From a Polish Copper Mine Aided by FEM 3D Approach

TL;DR

This study uses 3D FEM simulations to analyze the stress and deformation in a Polish copper mine's rock mass before seismic events, aiming to improve prediction and understanding of seismic risks in mining operations.

Contribution

It applies a 3D FEM approach to simulate geomechanical states prior to seismic events in a mining context, providing insights into instability precursors.

Findings

Identified stress patterns preceding seismic tremors

Demonstrated the impact of mining progress on stability

Enhanced understanding of rock mass behavior before earthquakes

Abstract

The biggest risk to operations in Polish copper is high-energy seismic tremors where hypocenters are located within the main roof strata. These phenomena occur often in the areas which are virtually free of tectonic disturbances. They are extremely difficult to both predict and analyze due to their short duration and unpredictable time of occurrence. The objective of the presented analysis was to determine the overall stress/deformation states within the considered mining panel prior to the selected archival seismic event and afterwards to judge how the progress of mining could affect the occurrence of instability in the roof strata rock mass. Geomechanical problem solution and results visualization were based on the NEi-NASTRAN computer program code utilizing FEM in three dimensions.