Rock Mass Stability Around Underground Excavations in a Mine: A Case Study

* Constructs a 3-D numerical model which incorporates the persistent and non-persistent faults, a weak interlayer, and the complicated tunnel system.* Simulates the non-linear relations between the joint normal/shear deformations and normal stress obtained from laboratory tests.* Offers 3-D implementation of the sequential excavation, backfilling and supporting procedures.* Incorporates a novel routine to simulate the delayed installation of rock supports.* Specifies the rock mass failure according to the residual state of the material properties instead of using the plastic yielding zones.* Quantifies the safety of rock supports based on the percent of the bond shear and bolt tensile failures.* Provides suggestions for the appropriate support design based on the quantified rock mass mechanical behaviour and the quantified rock support failure.* Makes comparisons between the numerical results and monitored field deformations.