Analysis of the Geomechanical Behavior of Two Adjacent Backfilled Stopes Based on Two and Three Dimensional Numerical Simulations

The mining industry generates large amount of waste materials which can be used in underground stopes to control ground movement and provide a safer work place for workers and equipments. Understanding of the mechanical behavior of these materials is a critical issue to prevent problem risks. It is important to assess the stress state in these stopes to ensure safe application of the backfill. In recent years, much work has been conducted to evaluate the stresses in single backfilled stopes. To date most research has focused on analyzing the behavior of backfill in isolated stopes without taking into account the effect of the excavation of two adjacent openings. However, reaction of neighboring stope, can influence the magnitude and distribution pattern of stresses, wall displacements and strain within an existing backfilled stope.