A Method for Determining the Thicknesses of the Reserved Protective Layers in Complex Goafs Using a Joint-Modeling Method of GTS and Flac3D

In this study, a C-ALS underground cavity scanner was used to detect the shapes of mining goafs. In addition, GTS software was adopted to establish a three-dimensional geological model based on the status of the stopes, geological data, and mechanical parameters of each rock mass and to analyze the roof areas of the goafs. In regard to the morphology of the study area, based on a thin plate theory and the obtained field sampling data, a formula was established for the thicknesses of the reserved protective layers in the goafs. In addition, a formula for the thicknesses of the protective layers in the curved gobs was obtained. The thickness formula of the protective layers was then successfully verified. The detection results showed that the roof shapes of the goafs in the Yuanjiacun Iron Mine were mainly arc-shaped, and the spans of the goafs were generally less than 20 m. The stability of the arc-shaped roofs was found to be greater than that of the plate-shaped roofs. Therefore, by reducing the thicknesses of the protective layers in mining goafs, the ore recovery rates can be increased on the basis of safe production conditions. The formula of the thickness of the security layers obtained through the thin plate theory was revised based on the statistical results of the roof shapes of the goafs and then combined using GTS and FLAC3D. The modeling method successfully verified the stability of the mined-out areas. It was found that the verification results were good, and the revised formula was able to improve the recovery rate of the ore under the conditions of meeting safe production standards. Also, it was found that the revised formula could be used in the present situation. At the same time, it was also determined that the complexity of the rock masses obstructed the full identification of the joints and fissures in the present orebodies. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate C-ALS underground cavity scanners to regularly observe the shapes of the goafs in order to ensure that stability and safety standards are maintained.

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