Scientists from Perm Polytechnic University, together with the Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, proposed an innovative method for calculating the bearing capacity of salt pillars, which will help prevent flooding of potash mines. The development is especially relevant for the difficult conditions of the Verkhnekamskoye field.
The development of the Verkhnekamsk potassium salt deposit is associated with a number of difficulties, one of which is the risk of mine flooding due to the presence of water-saturated rocks. To prevent this problem, salt pillars are left in mine workings—unrecoverable masses that maintain the stability of the overlying rocks. However, accurate calculation of their bearing capacity remains a difficult task, especially in conditions of abnormally clayey layers.
Scientists from the Perm Polytechnic Institute and the Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have developed a new calculation method that takes into account the layered structure of rocks and the influence of weak clay layers. To achieve this, more than a thousand laboratory tests were carried out on artificial samples simulating real field conditions.
“We found that the strength of layered samples increases with decreasing thickness of the weak layer. Based on these data, a new equation has been developed that allows us to more accurately estimate the bearing capacity of pillars,” explained Artem Udartsev, senior lecturer at the Department of Mineral Deposit Development at PNRPU.
The new method has already been tested in real areas of the Verkhnekamskoye field. The results showed that it is significantly more accurate than existing standard methods, especially under conditions of increased clay content. This will improve the safety of mining operations and reduce the risk of mine flooding.
The development of scientists from the Perm Polytechnic Institute and the Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is an important step in increasing the safety of potassium salt mining. A new method for calculating the bearing capacity of salt pillars will help prevent accidents and maintain the stability of mine workings.
Source: naked-science.ru
Photo: Potash mine / © Artem Udartsev, press service of PNIPU
