Probabilistic Analysis of Wedge Failures and Stability of Underground Workings with Combined Support Under Thrust Faulting Conditions
Source abstract
Abstract
Ensuring the stability of surrounding rock in underground excavations is a critical prerequisite for safe mining operations. This study examines the mechanisms of wedge failure formation and determines the performance of a combined support system (rock bolts + shotcrete) through probabilistic analysis. Field investigations in the Zhylandy ore field (Kazakhstan) included fracture mapping, rock mass quality assessment (RQD), fracture frequency (FF), and in situ stress measurements, which confirmed a thrust-faulting regime. Numerical modeling with Dips ver.8 and UnWedge ver.6 software (Rocscience) identified critical excavation orientations of 120° and 141° associated with maximum-volume wedge formation, as well as a “safe orientation window” of 70° ± 10°. The probabilistic analysis showed that rock bolts alone yield a factor of safety (FS) < 1.2, whereas the combined support system increases FS to 2.4–3.5, significantly reducing the likelihood of wedge failures. An adaptive framework integrating numerical modeling with intelligent monitoring (“monitor → update model → adjust support”) is proposed, allowing real-time adjustment of support parameters and optimization of material consumption. The practical significance of this work lies in providing design-ready recommendations for support selection and excavation orientation, contributing to accident prevention and sustainable mining operations.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Geotechnical and Geomechanical Engineering · Material Properties and Failure Mechanisms · Rock Mechanics and Modeling
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Information and Computing Systems, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Karaganda 100027, Kazakhstan
Department of Mining Safety, Ural State Mining University, 620144 Yekaterinburg, Russia
Funding
Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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