Rock properties to predict rockburst vulnerability in three dimensions

The Challenge

Unpredictable rock burst and strain burst events create significant safety hazards for mining personnel and operations, but these phenomena are poorly understood.

The Solution

This research is based on the proposition that variation of rock properties and stress in 3 dimensions contributes to the severity of rock and strain burst behaviour. Correlation of these properties with rock burst and strain burst events in underground test sites will be used to test whether these phenomena can be predicted and prepared for through implementing appropriate ground support.

Proposed Benefits to WA

Rock burst and strain burst have caused premature closure of mines in WA. Making this behaviour more predictable and treatable could improve safety and reduce ground support costs in Western Australia’s underground mining sector.

Keywords: ground support, in-situ stress, post-peak behaviour, rock properties, rockburst, strain burst