Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2005

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mining Engineering

Committee Chair

Keith A Heasley

Abstract

The Integrated Stability Mapping System (ISMS) was developed as an engineering tool to quantify the geologic and geo-mechanical information of mines, and to integrate the critical stability influence factors into an overall stability index for use in mine planning and support design. It is generally understood that the inherent underground roof stability is determined by the interaction of both the given geologic characteristics and the local stress influences. Form this perspective, in this dissertation, the need for an integrated stability mapping system is established through investigating the traditional and current hazard mapping practices. In order to fulfill this need, computer aided hazard mapping techniques and popular numerical methods for geo-mechanical analysis are reviewed. Then, an integrated stability mapping system incorporating geology hazard mapping, geologic structural feature impacts, and advanced numerical stress analysis techniques into one solution has been developed.;The stability system is implemented inside the de-facto standard drawing environment, AutoCAD, and in compatible with widely used geology modeling software SurvCADD. This feature allows one to access numerous existing geologic data and mining information from present mine maps easily and directly. The LaModel stress calculation, a boundary element method, integrated within the mapping system can produce realistic and accurate stress and displacement analysis with its distinguished features such as the laminated overburden model, the true topography consideration and actual irregular pillar matching.;After the stability mapping system was developed, two case studies were performed to check for coding errors, calculation accuracy, and for demonstrating the functionalities and usefulness of the system. In the case studies, the composite stability index was compared with field observations. A good correlation has been found although only a few influence factors have been considered.;In the conclusion of this dissertation, it is suggested that the stability mapping system provides mining engineers with the ability to perform comprehensive, rapid and accurate multiple-factor stability mapping analysis. Then the resultant stability map can be a valuable guide to safer support designing and better mine planning, and ultimately increase the safety of mine design and reduce the injuries and fatalities associated with ground fall in underground mines.

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