Technical Papers
May 17, 2024

Extension of Analytical Solution Methods to the Stability of Exposed Stratified Cemented Backfills

Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24, Issue 8

Abstract

The stability analysis of the backfill support system has been a significant analysis of stope performance in stoping mining method. For the past decades, the strength of exposed backfill was preferred to be conducted using analytical solutions based on the limit equilibrium theory. Nevertheless, these solutions have neglected the effect of layering that is endured by the backfill in the large stope. These methods appear to provide unrealistic results in stratified backfill stopes. This study introduces a modified solution that considers the shearing force along the backfill layers interface. The proposed solution method confirms that when the effect of layering is included the solution differs from the existing limit equilibrium solutions. Various examples are provided to validate the proposed analytical solution method.

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Data Availability Statement

All data (safety factors from the analytical solutions) and mathematical models that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the University of South Africa for supporting this work. This study did not receive any specific grant from any funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Author contributions: Nhleko Monique Chiloane Original draft preparation, Conceptualization: Fhatuwani Sengani Writing- reviewing, and editing, Supervision: Francois Mulenga Supervision, Validation.

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Published In

Go to International Journal of Geomechanics
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24Issue 8August 2024

History

Received: Sep 13, 2023
Accepted: Feb 2, 2024
Published online: May 17, 2024
Published in print: Aug 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Oct 17, 2024

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Dept. of Mining Engineering, Univ. of South Africa, Florida Campus Private Bag X6, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1620-5882. Email: [email protected]
Professor, Dept. of Geology and Mining, Univ. of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4886-1072.
Professor, Dept. of Mining Engineering, Univ. of South Africa, Florida Campus Private Bag X6, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9631-2986.

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