Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2026)
2026, 20(1): 32-47 |
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Shamsoddini Motlagh S, Mahdavi S. A comprehensive study on the effects of geometric and geomechanical parameters on crown pillar behavior during the transition from open-pit to underground mining. Journal of Engineering Geology 2026; 20 (1) :32-47
URL: http://jeg.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3186-en.html
URL: http://jeg.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3186-en.html
1- Isfahan University of Technology
2- Isfahan University of Technology ,smahdevari@iut.ac.ir
2- Isfahan University of Technology ,
Abstract: (523 Views)
Due to the deepening of open-pit mines and associated environmental concerns, the current period has been termed the 'return to underground mining era'. One of the key factors in transitioning from open-pit to underground mining is designing crown pillars based on economic and technical considerations. Due to the uncertainties surrounding this research topic, the present study uses three-dimensional numerical simulations to investigate the interactive effects of geometric and geomechanical parameters on the behaviour of crown pillars during the transition to underground mining. Pillar behaviour was evaluated based on displacement magnitude and the volume of the plastic zone of the pillar. The results of the numerical simulation showed that geometric parameters play a much more significant role than rock mechanical properties. Of the geometric parameters, the pillar dimension index (the product of the pillar's thickness and span) and the crown pillar's span play a decisive role in controlling pillar behaviour. From a geomechanical perspective, within the range of variations considered in this research, the rock elastic modulus was identified as the parameter most influential on crown pillar behaviour. This parameter controls crown pillar behaviour at a critical value of 7 GPa. Crown pillar span was identified as the second most influential parameter and can predict crown pillar displacement with a correlation coefficient of 0.83. The pillar dimension index can estimate the plastic zone volume in the pillar with 20% accuracy.
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Geotecnic
Received: 2025/11/11 | Accepted: 2026/05/6 | Published: 2026/06/8
Received: 2025/11/11 | Accepted: 2026/05/6 | Published: 2026/06/8
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