Risk analysis approach in the design of underground mine bulkheads-Madsen Gold mine, Red Lake, Ontario

摘要

A risk analysis approach was used to identify the most likely scenarios which could impact protective bulkheads in a mine during and immediately after undergoing dewatering, following nearly 25 years of inactivity.Both static and dynamic loading conditions were considered. Pre-mine dewatering and post-bulkhead installation conditions were assessed along with the most likely fill parameters. From this, potential failure mechanisms were developed, each of which could give rise to a run of fill or some other impact with specific down-stream consequences. Each of the potential consequences was then assessed with respect to the overall risk ratio (RR) to determine if an impact at the bulkhead could be anticipated. A concept developed for this project, risk ratio is the ratio of the volume of a stope divided by the volume of a drift between the stope and the bulkhead. Using classical fluid mechanics and back-calculation techniques based upon observed mine conditions, design criteria to withstand the anticipated impact were developed.