Numerical back-analysis of structurally controlled cave initiation and propagation at the Henderson Mine

A numerical approach to cave assessment has been developed over the past 12 years, partly through funding provided by the International Caving Study (ICS) and Mass Mining Technology (MMT) Projects. Recent improvements have been made to the modeling methodology that allows the explicit representation of large, persistent geological structures within a cave-scale model. A numerical back-analysis of structurally controlled cave initiation and propagation has been conducted at the Henderson Mine to provide a validation of the modeling methodology to be used for evaluation of future caves. Evolution of the numerically derived yield zone during cave initiation and propagation provides a good match to measured TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) breakages surrounding the 7210 Level cave volume. Interaction of the propagating cave with a weak geologic contact was required to be captured within the numerical model in order to achieve this correspondence. © 2011 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association.