Unexpected deformation processes in the rock mass in surface mining: Emergence factors and prevention capabilities

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2022-1S-111-118
Читать на русскоя языкеS.V. Usanov, Yu.P. Konovalova, E.Yu. Efremov, О.D. Kharisova, А.V. Usanova
Institute of Mining of Ural Branch of RAS, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №1S / 2022 р. 111-118

Abstract: Unexpected abnormal deformation processes in rock masses lead to disruptions in the operation of mining facilities and endanger human life and health. The studies show that physiographic conditions, physical and mechanical properties of rocks, features of structural and tectonic structure of the rock mass can influence the unexpected character of the deformation phenomena. One of the important parameters that determines the development of catastrophic deformation processes is the geodynamic activity of the rock mass, which forms its stress state. The purpose of the research is to develop methodological approaches to identification of potentially hazardous areas in the rock mass. To do this, experimental studies were carried out in a mine where unexpected abnormal deformations took place, and the role of influencing factors was analyzed. Experiments were performed using geological, geophysical and geodetic methods. As the result of the study, it was established that unexpected emergency deformation processes develop in areas where the maximum number of complicating factors is concentrated. A rating evaluation of the area of surface development has been developed based on a combination of factors affecting the stability of the rock mass. The developed approaches make it possible to diagnose the rock mass and identify areas where geomechanical processes develop according to special parameters. Area zoning can be the basis for the development of automated monitoring system of rock mass deformations to prevent unexpected emergency events.

Keywords: rock mass, surface collapse, ground cavity, safety, hierarchical blockiness, self-organization, stress state, geodynamic movements

Acknowledgments: The study was carried out within the framework of the State Contract №075-00412-22 PR. Topic 3 2022-202, (FUWE-2022-0003), №1021062010536-3-1.5.1. The authors express their deep gratitude to the staff of the Geomechanics Department of the Institute of Mining, Ural Branch of the RAS, whose theoretical and experimental research provided the basis for the work presented.

For citation: Usanov S.V., Konovalova Yu.P., Efremov E.Yu., Kharisova О.D., Usanova А.V. Unexpected deformation processes in the rock mass in surface mining: Emergence factors and prevention capabilities. Gornaya promyshlennost = Russian Mining Industry. 2022;(1 Suppl.):111–118.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2022-1S-111-118


Article info

Received: 06.10.2021

Revised: 22.10.2021

Accepted: 25.10.2021


Information about the authors

Sergey V. Usanov – Chief of Rock Movement Laboratory, Institute of Mining of Ural Branch of RAS, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation

Yuliya P. Konovalova – Senior Researcher of Rock Movement Laboratory, Institute of Mining of Ural Branch of RAS, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Olga D. Kharisova – Researcher of Rock Movement Laboratory, Institute of Mining of Ural Branch of RAS, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation

Evgeny Yu. Efremov – Researcher of Rock Movement Laboratory, Institute of Mining of Ural Branch of RAS, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation

Anna V. Usanova – Researcher of Geomechanics Laboratory of Underground Structures, Institute of Mining of Ural Branch of RAS, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation


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