| Abstract: | This paper described a technique for obtaining three-dimensional mine design information using a two-dimensional finite element program where the mining geometry consists of an extensive array of underground rooms and pillars. The technique is based upon a simple augmentation of forces in a two-dimensional analysis to produce the same average pillar stress that would occur in a full three dimensional analysis. Detailed comparisons between a three-dimensional analysis, a two-dimensional analysis (plane stress and plane strain) and an augmented two-dimensional analysis (also plane stress and plane strain) of stress about a typical coal mine pillar are presented. A local factor of safety is defined and then mapped over the pillar midplane, the immediate roof and immediate floor using the results from the full three-dimensional analysis. Comparisons of roof and pillar safety factor distributions obtained by the three-dimensional, two-dimensional and augmented two-dimensional analyses show that the minimum safety factors in the pillar (at the pillar sides) are predicted quite closely by the augmented two-dimensional techniqe (plane stress). The same is true of the immediate roof, although the three-dimensional safety factor tends to be higher in the roof (over the room) than that calculated by the augmented twodimensional technique. The augmented loading procedure appears to hold considerable promise as a very efficient and cost reducing techniqe for mine pillar design. |
