Scale model study of an underground opening in a mine in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

-Physical scale model study of the mechanical behaviour of structures is of a vital importance in the design process and in the evaluation of performance of the prototypes.

Important applications are in the fields of aeronautics, hydraulics, structural and mechanical engineering.

It is also applied in mining engineering, particularly in relation to mine ventilation, the design of underground openings, evaluation of ground subsidence and slope stability.

Criteria for the scaling of physical quantities involved in the model study of the deformation behaviour of underground openings are developed.

The mechanical properties of the rock mass around an underground mine opening are determined and the corresponding properties of an equivalent model material are also assessed.

The technique of scale model testing is described and the results of the model tests are compared with those of the measurement of deformation of the actual opening.