Ground Support Design Tool for Underground Excavation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for designing ground support systems for underground excavations are iterative and time-consuming, requiring significant effort to determine support requirements under various conditions, and lack a comprehensive integrated solution for evaluating kinematic and dynamic stability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based design tool that integrates modules for excavation details, stress estimation, rock mass characteristics, and ground support system schematics, allowing for iterative design iterations to achieve predetermined safety factors, including a wedge assessment tool for estimating kinematic stability and dynamic support requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional iterative design methods are used for ground support systems, then design thoroughness is improved, but design time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The design tool is divided into multiple independent modules including excavation details module, stress estimator module, rock mass characteristics module, ground support system schematic module, and wedge assessment module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the design process, allowing for systematic evaluation without requiring complete iterative redesigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through automated calculations and assessments. The wedge assessment tool evaluates kinematic stability and provides real-time information on support requirements, eliminating the need for manual iterative checking and allowing designers to quickly adjust parameters to achieve desired safety factors.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive evaluation of kinematic and dynamic stability is performed, then design accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex stability evaluation is segmented into distinct functional modules: stress estimation handles geostatic and mining-induced stresses, rock mass characteristics module evaluates ground conditions, and wedge assessment module specifically addresses kinematic stability. This segmentation makes the complex system manageable and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design tool performs multiple functions within a single system: it calculates stresses, evaluates rock mass properties, generates ground support schematics, and assesses kinematic stability. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive evaluation without requiring multiple separate tools, thereby managing complexity through integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual data transfer between design modules is used, then flexibility is maintained, but error rates increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple design modules into an integrated computer-based tool where data flows automatically between modules. The excavation details, stress estimates, rock mass characteristics, and wedge assessment results are interconnected through automated data transfer, eliminating manual transcription errors while maintaining design flexibility through the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer-based design tool acts as an intermediary that automatically processes and transfers data between various assessment functions. The system mediates between different design considerations (excavation geometry, stress conditions, rock mass properties, support requirements) by automatically integrating information across modules, thereby improving efficiency without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of designing an underground excavation may involve the steps of: Developing a plurality of input parameters for the underground excavation; performing a first design iteration to determine an initial ground support system design; evaluating a kinematic stability of the initial ground support system design; determining whether the kinematic stability meets a predetermined factor of safety; and reiterating the initial ground support system design until the kinematic stability meets the predetermined factor of safety.