A visco-elastic theoretical model for analysis of dynamic ground subsidence due to deep underground mining

The dynamic ground subsidence due to mining is a complicated time-dependent process. Based on the theory of rock rheology, a theoretical model for the prediction and analysis of the dynamic subsidence due to deep underground mining is developed. The model is used for Chengjiao mine, an underground iron ore mine using pillarless sublevel caving method, to predict and analyse the subsidence in West and North mining areas. The theoretical results obtained were compared with actual subsidence data from West and North mining areas in Chengjiao Iron mine, eastern China. The agreement of the theoretical results with the filed measurements shows that the model is satisfactory and the formulae obtained are valid and thus can be effectively used for predicting the ground movement due to deep underground mining by pillarless sublevel caving method.