Numerical investigation of the geomechanical response of adjacent backfilled stopes

Backfilling of mine stopes helps provide a safe workplace underground. The interaction between the backfill and surrounding rock mass has to be evaluated to ensure the secure application of backfill. This critical issue has led to much research on the stress state in single (isolated) backfilled stopes. However, the stress distribution in multiple openings that interact with each other has not yet been investigated as thoroughly. In this paper, the authors are using numerical simulations to evaluate the response of two adjacent backfilled stopes created in sequence, with a new assumption that is based on an explicit relationship between Poisson’s ratio and the internal friction angle of the backfill; as shown here, the use of this relationship can significantly modify the stress state in backfilled stopes. The simulation results, presented in terms of stresses, displacements, and strains, illustrate the influence of different parameters including backfill strength, pillar width, stope depth, rock mass stiffness, natural stress state, and excavation and filling sequence. Complementary aspects are also considered. A discussion follows on some of the characteristics and limitations of this investigation.