Calculation of rock mass stresses considering rock mass–support interaction in mines

Abstract

The article describes a proved method to calculate stress state of support and surrounding rock mass, considering roof and wall rocks displacement until the contact with the support. The method is based on the use of the intact rock mass stiffness matrix formed prior to mining. Modeling of drivage using the method of initial stresses allows splitting the problem into two subproblems: the first subproblem is on mechanical state of rock mass during roof and wall rocks displacement, the second subproblem describes joint deformation of roof rock, walls rocks and support. The cases of stress calculation for rocks and support, considering support installation conditions, are described. The stress behavior depending on the value of roof and wall rocks displacement until the contact with the support is determined. The features of the method application in case of greatly different mechanical characteristics of rocks and support are discussed.