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Rock Mechanics.pdf - Mining and Blasting

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Figure 15.34 Extended Mathews<br />

stability graph showing stable <strong>and</strong><br />

caving lines based on logistic regression<br />

(after Mawdesley, 2002).<br />

LONGWALL AND CAVING MINING METHODS<br />

can arise as to whether or not the minimum dimension (or width) of an elongated<br />

undercut can control cavability, irrespective of the value of the hydraulic radius. Data<br />

collected by Mawdesley (2002) suggest that the hydraulic radius (or shape factor) is<br />

a satisfactory predictor of stability or cavability for aspect ratios of less than about<br />

three. It should be noted, however, that the hydraulic radius is calculated from the plan<br />

dimensions of the undercut level. It does not permit account to be taken of the curved<br />

or arched profile of an arrested cave such as that which developed at Northparkes.<br />

Since the 1980s, Laubscher’s caving chart has been the major method used internationally<br />

to predict cavability in block <strong>and</strong> panel caving mines. It has been particularly<br />

successful when applied to the weaker <strong>and</strong> larger orebodies for which it was first<br />

developed. However, recent experience suggests that it may not always provide satisfactory<br />

results for stronger, smaller <strong>and</strong> isolated or constrained blocks or orebodies.<br />

There may be insufficient case studies available, especially for rock masses having<br />

MRMR values of more than 50, to enable the three zones of stability to be delineated<br />

with a reasonable degree of accuracy over a wide range of conditions. This is not an<br />

unusual occurrence when an attempt is made to extend an empirical method outside<br />

the limits of the experience for which it was first developed.<br />

Mawdesley et al. (2001) extended the Mathews stability chart method of open stope<br />

design introduced in section 9.6 by adding a large number of new data points, particularly<br />

from Australian mines, <strong>and</strong> defining iso-probability contours for stable, failure,<br />

major failure <strong>and</strong> combined failure <strong>and</strong> major failure cases. Mawdesley (2002) then<br />

collected data from caving mines <strong>and</strong> extended this approach to the assessment of cavability.<br />

A logistical regression analysis was used to delineate the caving zone shown<br />

in Figure 15.34. It must be emphasised that the line separating major failures from<br />

continuous caving in Figure 15.34 does not represent a 100% probability of caving.<br />

Insufficient data are available to permit iso-probability contours to be defined accurately.<br />

The availability of additional data from well-documented case histories would<br />

allow the uncertainty in the design limits to be quantified, giving greater confidence<br />

in the use of this technique for predicting cavability.<br />

470

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