Prediction and Analysis of Subsidence using Finite Element Method

The finite element method (FEM) has proven to be a powerful tool for predicting subsidence caused by extraction of minerals from beneath the Earth?s surface. The occurrence of subsidence caused by mining is a complex process that causes severe damages to underground utility infrastructures, buildings, railroad tracks, and bridges. In this research, a detailed non-linear finite-element analysis model has been developed for the following purposes: (i) to predict subsidence of the Earth?s surface due to underground extractions, (ii) to predict stresses and movements around underground openings, (iii) to determine the necessary supports for underground mining excavations, and (iv) to optimize the cost for a given stability. Generally, the deformation behaviour of rock, for changing boundary conditions, is influenced by many factors such as mining advance, roof collapse, gob consolidation, joints and bedding planes, etc. These factors render the stress-deformation behaviour highly complex and non-linear. The use of finite-element method (FEM) can successfully approximate the effects of these factors.