13.08.2013 Views

Rock Mechanics.pdf - Mining and Blasting

Rock Mechanics.pdf - Mining and Blasting

Rock Mechanics.pdf - Mining and Blasting

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Figure 16.9 Section showing ground<br />

susceptible to solution-induced<br />

subsidence (after Jennings et al.,<br />

1965).<br />

SINKHOLES IN CARBONATE ROCKS<br />

caving takes place through a very weak rock mass, a residual soil, or rock previously<br />

disturbed by a caving method of mining. Even though a limiting equilibrium analysis<br />

may indicate that chimney caving to surface is possible, the development of the cave<br />

can be influenced by draw control in the stope. Goel <strong>and</strong> Page (1982) use draw density<br />

<strong>and</strong> geometrical parameters in an empirical method for predicting the probability of<br />

chimney cave occurrence over a mining area. Numerical methods using the finite<br />

difference code, FLAC, or distinct element methods, for example, may also be used<br />

to model chimney caving.<br />

16.3 Sinkholes in carbonate rocks<br />

A form of discontinuous subsidence that has a similar surface expression but a different<br />

cause from the various types of chimney caving, can occur in carbonate rocks such<br />

as dolomites <strong>and</strong> limestones. These rocks are susceptible to solution by slightly acid<br />

waters percolating initially through discontinuities in the rock mass. With time, quite<br />

large volumes of rock can be dissolved leading to what are known as karst features.<br />

These carbonate rocks are also susceptible to deep <strong>and</strong> irregular surface weathering<br />

which produces a highly variable depth to rock head (Figure 16.9). The mantle of<br />

unconsolidated materials may include residual clay or residuum resulting from the<br />

weathering of the rock.<br />

Cavities develop in carbonate rocks, generally above the water table, where surface<br />

water containing small amounts of dissolved gases which render it slightly acidic,<br />

flows downwards towards the water table. Experience in mining <strong>and</strong> civil engineering<br />

has been that sinkholes develop from these cavities when the rock mass is dewatered<br />

<strong>and</strong> the water table is lowered. Lowering the water table has several effects.<br />

It permits existing caverns to enlarge <strong>and</strong> may cause new ones to be developed, it<br />

removes buoyancy support forces, <strong>and</strong> it can increase the velocity of downward water<br />

movements which can then become sufficient to wash out unconsolidated surface<br />

materials.<br />

495

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!