Numerical simulation of large-scale pillar-layouts

A number of shallow coal or hard rock mines employ pillar mining systems as a strategy for roof failure control. In certain platinum mine layouts, pillars are designed to 'crush' in stable manner they become loaded the panel back area. The correct sizing demands some knowledge strength and overall layout stress distribution. It is particularly important understand impact geometry on effective regional 'stiffness' mass around each pillar. An design model relatively detailed configurations which include precise representation local analyse multiple scenarios extraction sequences select optimal sizes barrier spacing. Although computational solution techniques now impressive terms run time efficiency, major difficulty often encountered assigning suitable material properties devising an description layered strata overlying excavations. This paper outlines efficient numerical that can be used assess large-scale performance while retaining ability modify individual constitutive behaviour. proposed method applied selected layouts compare estimated average values against determined by modelling observed