Rockbursts
What is a Rockburst?
A rockburst is defined as a seismic event that results in damage to underground excavations or support systems.
Heave
Footwall heave, punching, and ejection of support units are often the result of seismic energy release beneath an excavation. Such events can compromise safety and operational efficiency if not properly managed.
Rockburst Investigation
A rockburst investigation aims to:
Seismic Hazard Level
The seismic hazard level at the time of the rockburst should reflect the increased probability of damaging seismic events. Key factors to consider in a rockburst investigation include:
Reporting Requirements
Minimum reporting for routine rockburst events should include:
A rockburst is defined as a seismic event that results in damage to underground excavations or support systems.
Heave
Footwall heave, punching, and ejection of support units are often the result of seismic energy release beneath an excavation. Such events can compromise safety and operational efficiency if not properly managed.
Rockburst Investigation
A rockburst investigation aims to:
- Establish the cause of the seismic event
- Determine the failure mechanism at the source
- Describe the damage mechanism resulting in excavation failure, including the performance of excavation support
- Eliminating the seismic emission source from the mining system, or
- Improving protection of excavations against the effects of seismicity
Seismic Hazard Level
The seismic hazard level at the time of the rockburst should reflect the increased probability of damaging seismic events. Key factors to consider in a rockburst investigation include:
- The seismic history of the affected area
- The geo-seismic hazard of the region
- The latest trends in seismicity parameters
Reporting Requirements
Minimum reporting for routine rockburst events should include:
- Time and location of the event
- Basic seismic source parameters
- Description of the rock mass
- Quantification of the resulting damage