Mine Seismicity

A brief Overview
Basic Concepts

What is rockbursting and mine seismicity?

What causes it?

What are it's effects?

How is it monitored?

What can be done about it?

Definitions

A seismic event is a dynamic stress wave

caused by the fracture or deformation of a
rockmass.

A rockburst is generally considered to be a

seismic event that results in visible
rockmass damage.
Seismic Source Mechanisms
Shifting on Geological Features
The movement of two or more bodies of rock of
different composition.

Dykes

Inclusions

Faults
Seismic Source Mechanisms
Seismic activity caused by the stresses of underground
mining.

Local rock mass failure or deformation

Crushing or shearing in pillars

Stress Related Failure
Seismic Source Mechanisms
Locating the Seismic Source

Is found using the

arrival times of the S
and P-Waves

Can be very difficult if

the seismic sensors are
poorly located or
improperly set up
Locating the Seismic Source
STOPE
S
Locating the Seismic Source
Locating the Seismic Source
Locating the Seismic Source
Locating the Seismic Source

Locations with a higher density

of events generally are under
higher amounts of stress

This information can be

interpreted to help develop plans
to prevent production loss and
damage to the mine
Seismic Detection Equipment
Geophones/ Accelerometers

Geophones record ground

movement mechanically
whereas;

Accelerometers are electronic

Both have
advantages/disadvantages
The MP-
250

Very first commercially

available seismic monitoring
system

Analog recording system

Included a loudspeaker

Didn't show waveforms

Seismic Detection Equipment
Modern Seismic
Systems
Digitized waveforms

Is able to provide the location of

seismic events

Parameters such as magnitude

and energy are automatically
calculated

Connected to a computer display

Above-Ground systems

Can be used when

underground monitoring isn't
practical/possible

Is normally much harder to

maintain

Prone to lightning strikes

Seismic Detection Equipment
Ground Support
Ground Support
Rockburst Damage Mechanisms
Roles of Different Types of Ground
Support
Ground Support
Cone
Bolts
Split Sets

Very High Yield

Designed Specifically for

rockbursting conditions

High tensile strength allowing

for very effective reinforcement

Relies on friction for support

Relatively inexpensive
compared to other bolt types
such as cone bolts and swellex
Ground Support
Content Covered

What is rockbursting and mine seismicity?

What causes it?

What are it's effects?

How is it monitored?

What can be done about it?

All pictures are property of Prof. Marty Hudyma