Monitoring Stress Changes and Microseismic Events in Pillars During Potash Mining

Mining-induced stress in the area around tunnel openings represents a major design consideration in potash mines. In the past, induced stress has been monitored using an array of techniques derived from the hard rock mining industry, one of the key assumptions being linear-elastic deformation behaviour of the rock. When using these methods in a soft rock like potash, issues can arise with the accuracy of these assumptions. The proposed research will build on a recent project that developed improved methods for stress measurements in potash, and will supplement stress change measurements with microseismic monitoring technologies that can track yielding and creep in pillars by detecting the acoustic energy released when cracks develop. The results will lead to better methods for measuring the response of pillars to mining operations, which in turn will enable refinement of the models used to predict pillar response. Improved monitoring and modeling methods will allow more proactive engineering controls to be implemented at lower cost than reactive methods.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christopher Hawkes;Douglas Milne;Donna Beneteau

Student:

Partner:

Nutrien

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Agriculture; Mining

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: