Development and validation of a 3-D bonded block modelling approach to assist in the assessment of rock mass bulking and support design for highly stressed mine pillars

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With ever growing populations and rising living standards, worldwide demand for mineral resources continues to increase. Resource-rich countries like Canada are responding by mining deeper as near surface resources are exhausted. Several Canadian operations already represent some of the deepest mines in the world, and plans are to continue deeper. These will encompass large underground footprints with numerous rock pillars that are essential for maintaining safe and economic working conditions. The challenge is that during excavation, these pillars will experience significant stress-induced strength degradation and deformation leading to extensive loading of the support system, potentially leading to its failure. To address these needs, Rio Tinto through their Sudbury based Rio Tinto Centre for Underground Mine Construction (RTC-UMC), have provided research funding to (i) investigate the underlying mechanisms of rock mass bulking under complex mine stress paths, (ii) develop a numerical tool that can better account for these mechanisms, and (iii) compare and contrast the effectiveness of different support strategies. Towards this goal we have partnered with software provider Itasca to use their commercial 3-D distinct-element code 3DEC to develop a bonded-block brittle fracture modelling tool, referred to here as 3DEC-BBM. Model development will be carried out in parallel with validation and calibration exercises, using both controlled laboratory experiments and field-based data. Upon completion, the results of this research will significantly enhance Canada's body of knowledge and expertise in deep mining and rock support optimization. New tools will be developed (together with guidelines on their use) that will assist engineers in designing and safely developing the next generation of Canadian mines, helping to secure the sustainability of the industry. It will also provide HQP with unique and practical learning experiences and skill sets that are in high demand in the mining industry and are of strategic importance for Canada's future natural resource development needs.