Patent AU-2020103299-A4 (AU)
Title: An Innovative Geomechanical Design Methodology for Underground Mine Excavation Design
Inventor: RAHIMI BEHROOZ
IPC: G01V1/30
Filed: 2020-11-06
Granted: 2021-01-14
Abstract: An innovative design methodology so-called "CUED" (Comprehensive Underground Excavation 
Design) is presented to improve safety, optimise cost, and increase productivity in underground mining 
excavations. The CUED method proposed in six steps including characterisation, diagnosis of ground 
behaviour, identifying failure mechanism, design analysis to manage ground behaviour, construction, 
geotechnical monitoring and design update. A procedure has been defined for each step by 
determination of input data, processing data and output data, so-called IPO approach. IPO is applied to 
determine the parameters of the CUED method at each step. Additionally, a new procedure for the 
design of ground support systems for deep and hard rock excavations considering static and dynamic 
loading, appropriate design analysis methods, were presented. The results indicated that the proposed 
CUED method efficiently increase safety and optimise the project's cost and time. The CUED method 
for geotechnical design purposes in underground mine excavations is illustrated in Figure 1.
Intac-t Roc k: -F:k 1 p str -.:4 an' Gooirsgical Conditi--n: 
Rock Ma.. Compoisitiont 
Rock Mass Descripti on 
D Gco tin aily C haracle'1stics.  -, In Sitair Stress Cardino-, 
Massive rack JontIloy Blocky/Folded rock Dr hnegrate SeilMinrl 
tArt rv 1l,, -7 r Ky Feature Of Underground 
M,-pt to -x[H King I-rojecl (E-_v-all r 
.,dr.... CondtionDiagnosis & Descriptio 
R ...... N.111 Support ofof Ground Behaviour S.iJ~nu.Lid,9 
the Gmund S1smr Earthquake 
F -lui:l-1w!Gis Presura 
1Temperature 
Chance, I-lvOding 
bUNG nrtact Rock Falu tructurallntact StutrlFiur-ae fet 
pir-is. Ch~c-.ti~nHazard RecognitiontlGeotechnical EniergJuemt 
Fallure/Fallure Mechanism 
Failure Indicators: Ground Movement Primary Sigma Secondary Signs eWaults, folds and (at the periphery): (Probably months before): (Probably days/hours before): Local Damage/ 
joints -Surface cracking -Subsidence eFreq.lenly ground fall iRegional Failure: 
:Bad ground a Crak opening -Small ground fall -Spalling -Collapse •Unstable sape :Shear movement -Localized signs of stress in eindividual pillar collapse -Cave in 
Sae Moisture along planes of the form of floor heaving -Pillar yielding or seismic activity -Rock fall 
Stbl High extraction ratio weakness or vertical *Roof lowering or damage -Rock noises winundlation 
•angeinpcolour disp acement toudrrud*cvto Emission of gases (in collieries) *I nflow 
andproertes*Change in water flow -Rock burst 
*Seismic events Potential failure Potential failiure modes: *Excavation 
Potential failure modes: Tensile' Block fNll, Revelling, Potential failure modes: closure 
:erk Plasting Squeezing Rock burst, SwellingFown 
Empirical Methods 
Obs::rva-tion Methodb 
Analytical Methods Design Analysis to Man age Ground 
EgneigJdmn 
BElhaviour 
O-thnir Mathr 1 Fxport 
Nwn.... M,- I-h - - Systen, Soft Comiputatlun 
Project Location & ExcavationiStopes Ground Suipport & ie -ot 
Mode.  
Orientation Sequences Excavation Rate Rainoremnt 
Esiainof Time 
System 
andCost_ 
1 Constructilon 
L-hii. I.-,r .ri~ti~nInstal11ng Ground Support and 
Rein forcemeont System 
Instumanati• Conprlson D..yn and 
Field ObservationMesrdVis 
Rapid Change: Moderate Change 
Direc Aplication to +- Data Interpretation, Back 
Construction Analysis 
INPU-T POESIG OTU 
Figure 1. Comprehensive Underground Excavation Design (CEUD) Methodology