Mining Institute, Kola Science Center, Apatity, Russia

I. E. Semenova, Head of Geomechanics Department, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
K. N. Konstantinov, Researcher, k.konstantinov@ksc.ru
M. S. Kulkova, Researcher

The paper considers the results of determining the damage zone parameters in exploration openings on levels of -1650 m and -1750 m in Skalisty Mine of Nornickel using in-situ and numerical methods. The instrumental studies by ultrasonic and rheometric methods have allowed estimating the depth of the damage zone and the behavior of the elastic wave velocities in surrounding rock mass around the underground openings. It is found that the velocity field distribution around the openings is quite uniform, i.e. it has no pronounced anisotropy, which can be reflective of the predominance of any component of the stress field. Therefore, the natural stress state of the test rock mass most probably belongs to the hydrostatic type. The absence of typical systematic failures in the roof or side walls of the openings also confirms the hypothesis about the gravitational–tectonic type of the stress field in the area of the test underground openings. Using the finite element method, the rock mass stress state in the area of the test openings was modeled. The zones where the maximum stresses could reach the values sufficient for the rock pressure manifestation in adjacent rock mass around the test openings were determined. The size of such zones are comparable to the thickness of the damage zone identified using the instrumental methods in adjacent rock mass. The comprehensive analysis of the study results by in-situ and numerical methods has allowed determining the type of the stress field in the area of the test underground openings. The geomechanical situation during heading and the efficiency of the mine support system in the test deep underground openings was assessed.
The authors express their gratitude to Doctor of Engineering Sciences A. A. Kozyrev, Candidate of Engineering Sciences A. V. Zemtsovsky and to the specialists from Nornickel and KANEX for the methodical supervision, organization and promotion of the research.

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