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Caving Methods
To better simulate the performance of caves and their interaction with the surrounding rock mass, an enhanced modelling method has been developed. This approach captures the physics of both the caved material and the intact rock mass and accounts for the progression of cave growth and subsidence over time, driven by a production schedule. It represents a major advance over previous modelling techniques.
The updated tool combines two key components: the LR4 Finite Element (FE) method and the FS5 particle-based simulation. This LR4-FS5 coupling enables simultaneous simulation of stress and deformation in the rock mass, and the flow of caved material through the muckpile and drawpoints.
About
How we work
At Beck Engineering we believe that a safe, productive and reliable mine comes about from a well-engineered mine plan. To engineer such a plan requires a clear insight into the interactions and mechanics between the mining operation and physical environment over the mine’s life. Simulation Aided Engineering is a workflow that provides this insight, challenging conventional methods through the use of non-biased, physics-based simulations.
Conventional methods simplify the complexity of geotechnical environments, greatly limiting the functionality of the results and the accuracy of the forecast. Simulation Aided Engineering limits the need for this simplification, thereby reducing assumptions, delivering a much closer replication of results to observations, and an improved forecast.
The Simulation Aided Engineering workflow, based on BE’s own rock mechanics specific numerical modelling framework, allows clients to efficiently test different designs, sequences and to quantify geotechnical performance.
Beck Engineering have been world leaders in physics-based rock mechanics simulations for over 20 years. We have applied this methodology on over 250 projects encompassing a wide range of geotechnical environments.
Our approach
- Beck Engineering's own rock mechanics specific numerical framework LRx generates large scale, 3D Finite Element models.
- Our simulations use non-linear, strain softening, dilatant material models for each geotechnical domain.
- Faults are built explicitly to match the geotechnical structural interpretation. Slip, separation and accumulation of damage is realistically represented along faults.
- The full extraction history and planned mining sequence is built into the model.
- Sub-modelling can be applied for higher resolution in areas of particular interest.
- Direct calibration: Measured deformation and energy (seismicity) are directly compared to deformation and energy in the model.
- Full coupling with hydrological modelling Coupled cave flow simulator for forecasting the cave propagation and cave shape evolution.
Case study 2
Simulations built by Beck Engineering incorporate all the excavations at a mine site. For detailed simulation of areas such as extraction levels, tunnels are excavated in a sequence and at increments comparable to the full scale mine. The use of sub-models allows for the inclusion of far greater detail such as drive scale structure and even ground support elements, giving the client the ability to investigate the performance of an extraction level and make forecasts such as the timing for support rehabilitation.
Case study 1
To capture realistic cave behaviour, this simulation used a fully coupled cave flow simulator along with the LRx rock mass constitutive model. This coupling resulted in a free forming cave shape, a forecast of cave growth rate and timing of interaction with an adjacent cave. Changes in stress, strain and seismic potential were indicators of the interaction between the caves. The sensitivity of the forecasts and range of outcomes were assessed by varying the material properties used in the simulation.
What you get
- Powerful, non-biased, physics based predictive tool for:
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Mining Engineers
- Geologists
- Manager
- Full 3D results database available for site engineers to use for ongoing confirmation, analysis and refinement of mine design
- Full transparency: We will assist you how to get the most out of the results, what information would improve the forecasts and work with you to continually improve your mine
- Quick turnaround time between iterations.
