Comparing the Stability Analysis of Different Shaped and Sized Pillars Using Numerical Modeling
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Date
2024-05-10
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German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology
Abstract
This bachelor thesis examines the influence of pillar geometry on the stability of underground mining structures, employing FLAC3D numerical simulations to evaluate the performance of square, octagonal, and circular pillars. The study focuses on how different pillar shapes distribute stress and maintain stability under geological faults, using the Factor of Safety (FoS) as a key metric for evaluation. This inquiry is inspired by insights from Maritz and Malan (2023), which suggested that circular pillars might offer superior stability due to the radius of curvature effect.
Contrary to the findings by Maritz and Malan (2023), this study found that square and octagonal pillars exhibited higher stability as reflected by their FoS calculations. Square pillars, with their larger cross-sectional areas, were particularly effective in managing stress, suggesting potential trade-off between maximizing stability and mineral recovery. Although these findings do not revolutionize existing mining practices, they do provide a useful examination of how pillar geometry can influence underground mining safety. The thesis also briefly touches on the economic considerations of using different pillar shapes, underscoring the balance between ensuring structural stability and maximizing resource recovery.
This work contributes to the educational goals of a bachelor's program by applying engineering principles to a practical problem in mining, offering a foundational analysis that could inform exploratory studies in the field.