Rock Mass Sample Clauses
Rock Mass. Failure – Three different numerical modeling software packages were used to determine the vertical pit’s resistance to rock mass failure. These were: Examine 3D , Phase 2TM TM and FLAC . Examine 3D is a 3 dimensional boundary element package which is capable of modelling one elastic material only. Joints or other discontinuities as well as support elements could not be included in the model. It was therefore decided to use a lower bound allowable stress criteria to indicate rock mass failure. The allowable stress was determined using the strength factor output provided by the programme. The result showed some minor yielding near the sidewall surface but these were put down to numerical effects. An example output figure is presented as Figure 4. Figure 4 Contours of Maximum Shear Stress Phase