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Practical application of stochastic methods in geotechnical engineering

Research Authors
Wael Abdellah
Research Member
Research Year
2015
Research Journal
Journal of Engineering Sciences- Assiut University-Faculty of Engineering





Research Publisher
Faculty of Engineering-Assiut, Egypt
Research Vol
No. 1 - Vol. 43
Research Rank
2
Research_Pages
PP. 57 – 70
Research Abstract

Mine haulage drifts are the only stope access in sub-level stoping mining system. Thus, they must remain stable during their service life. Haulage drift instability could lead to serious consequences such as: production delay, damage to equipment, loss of reserves and high operational cost. The goal of this paper is the performance stability evaluation of mine haulage drifts with respect to mining sequence adopting different stochastic methods of analysis. A two-dimensional, elastoplastic, finite difference code (FLAC 2D) is used for this study. Stochastic analysis; adopting Point-Estimate Methods (PEMs), Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS) and Random Monte-Carlo Simulation (RMCS) are then employed with the numerical modelling to tackle the inherent uncertainty associated with rockmass properties. Then, the probability of instability at last mining step (e.g., after excavating stope 3) is estimated for haulage drift side walls and roof. The stability indicators are defined in terms of displacement, stress and the extent of yield zones, which are adopted as a basis for assessing the performance stability of haulage drift. The stochastic results are presented and compared in terms of probability of occurrence at last mining stage (e.g., after excavating stope 3) adopting displacement/convergence criterion.