Simplified methods of geomechanical analysis for small-scale underground mining

The present research work was carried out with the aim of realizing a geological and geomechanical characterization of a mining site located in Chancòn (Chile) for the construction of a full-scale laboratory for carrying out explosive tests. The laboratory consists of a main tunnel and two secondary tunnels that will be devoted to research on the nature of blasts and reinforcement systems after excavation, without disregarding additional structures. It should be noted that the case study refers to small scale mining developed in a university environment. This paper presents three models: topographic, geometric and geomechanical. Tests are performed on site and in the laboratory in order to obtain a database to simulate the physical reality of the problem through analytical analyzes, strengthened with numerical analyzes. Finally, by implementing the Convergence Confinement Method, the project hypotheses are verified. The results are discussed in concluding remarks.