Continuous Concrete Floor Extension in Undercut Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing undercut excavation methods face challenges in maintaining continuous concrete floors over large areas and extending them as needed, particularly in multi-level excavations, where loads from backfill and seismic events can cause concrete posts to fail.
Innovation Solution
The method involves setting up continuous steel-reinforced concrete floors using standard 5 m×6 m drifts, with the ability to extend them laterally and vertically, incorporating resilient elements to absorb shock loads and allowing the concrete posts to compress, matching the arching of cemented rock backfill for self-supporting strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If standard size 5 m×6 m drifts openings are used to create concrete floors, then the initial floor structure can be established, but the floors cannot be extended laterally to cover large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-area floor into multiple standard 5m×6m drift openings, each forming an independent concrete floor segment. These segments are created separately and then connected through lateral extension techniques, allowing the floor to cover large areas while maintaining the benefits of standardized construction units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables lateral extension of concrete floors in the horizontal dimension by creating new drift openings adjacent to existing ones and connecting the floor structures. This dimensional approach allows the floor coverage area to expand beyond the initial standard drift dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If concrete posts are used to support the concrete floor over wider drifts, then the floor can span larger areas, but the posts may fail under load from backfill and seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates resilient elements within the concrete posts that act as shock absorbers and load cushions. These elements are installed beforehand to protect the posts from excessive loads caused by backfill placement and seismic events, preventing post failure while enabling wider drift spans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical properties of the concrete posts by integrating resilient elements that change the posts' stiffness and load-bearing characteristics. This allows the posts to compress and flex under load, matching the arching behavior of cemented rock backfill and improving overall system reliability.
3Strength
If the concrete floor is made rigid to support loads, then the structural strength is increased, but the floor cannot accommodate ground movement and seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible resilient elements within the concrete floor structure that allow the floor to flex and accommodate ground movements while maintaining overall structural integrity. These elements enable the floor to respond dynamically to seismic events and ground deformation without catastrophic failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the concrete floor from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic system that can adapt to changing conditions. The resilient elements allow the floor to move and deform in controlled ways, matching the arching of backfill and accommodating seismic ground movements while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables safe and efficient mining over large areas with reduced risk of concrete post failure, allowing for flexible mining plans and increased ore recovery rates while minimizing ground control functions and development costs.
Implementation Method 1
placing at the bottom of each hole resilient elements capable of absorbing shock energy or excessive loads due to ground movement
Implementation Method 2
allowing the concrete posts to compress, matching the arching of cemented rock backfill for self-supporting strength
Implementation Method 3
matching the arching of cemented rock backfill for self-supporting strength
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a technique in undercut excavation that allows a continuous steel reinforced concrete floor to be set up or installed over a large width and length and installing continuous steel reinforced concrete floors in any subsequent lifts. Using the present invention, the continuous concrete floor can be extended at a later date if the stopping area is extended at some future date.