NorNickel’s Polar Division, Norilsk, Russia:

A. V. Bylkov, First Deputy Director of Mineral Resources and Development
S. A. Gorbachev, Director of Taimyr Mine

Gipronickel Institute, Saint-Petersburg, Russia:
A. E. Rumyantsev, Chief Specialist at Geotechnique Laboratory, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
Yu. Yu. Golovchenko, Researcher at Geotechnique Laboratory, GolovchenkoYuYu@nornik.ru

The critical issues in deep-level mining are operating safety and rock mass stability, as well as correct mine planning. A great depth of mining implies that the rock mass stress–strain behavior induced by rock pressure has a substantial influence on the stability of underground mine structures. Minimization of risks in deep-level mining requires using advanced methods, in particular, numerical modeling. The FEM-based modeling in project design helps select mining plans toward higher safety and economic efficiency of the process. This study used the method of finite elements as a principal selection tool for stoping alternatives in Taimyr Mine, Oktyabrskoe deposit. Though it is a principal tool in modern geomechanics, the finite element method needs much care. The point is that numerical modeling creates illusion that a numerical model encompasses all behavioral peculiarities of hard rock mass by default. In this respect, aside from correct modeling, it is necessary to undertake a comprehensive analysis of results. It should be remembered that a hard rock mass can only be considered as a continuum given certain assumptions on its continuity and isotropy, which never happens in real life. Although the aforesaid may bring FEM into discredit, the method, if used correctly, produces sufficiently accurate results for a proper design choice. This paper describes an integrated approach to an operation loop of numerical modeling, starting from a solid model construction and finishing with the result analysis. The approach includes handling of the geometry of lithological features, shaping of a logic of step-by-step calculation, insertion of all necessary boundary conditions (kinematic and forces), and determination of a model of materials and a similarity criterion. Control of the physics of all processes being modeled is of no less significance, as well.

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