Tokenova, Kamilya2024-08-152024-08-152024-04Omirzhankyzy, K. (2024). Extension Of The Fault Factor To Account For Stope Backs In Open Stope Design. Nazarbayev University School of Mining and Geoscienceshttps://nur.nu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/8224This research addresses a critical gap in the existing methodology for open stope design by extending the application of the fault factor to account for faults in stope backs. The established fault factor, as introduced by Suorineni in 1999, currently focuses solely on faults near stope surfaces, neglecting their potential impact on stope backs. The aim is to improve the stability graph method for the open stope design by presenting a more comprehensive assessment that incorporates the impact of faults in stope backs. The research employs RS2 Rocscience Software, following the procedures outlined in Suorineni et al. (1999), and incorporates the brittle Hoek-Brown failure criterion. Failure in a rock mass is assumed to extend throughout the whole span of the excavation when the deviatoric stresses exceed one-third of the uniaxial compressive strength, in accordance with the extended Hoek-Brown failure criterion. This methodology enables a detailed analysis of fault-related damage in stope backs, contributing to a refined understanding of stope stability within the stability graph framework. The position, angle, and distance of the faults from the stope surface, k-ratio determine the extent of the increased compression zone surrounding the excavation in a two-dimensional model. These parameters' impacts on the compression zone size have been evaluated. The significance of this research lies in its potential to improve the overall stability assessment of stope backs, enhancing safety and economic feasibility in mining operations. Given the common occurrence of faults in orebodies, particularly those found in stope backs, the extended fault factor will provide valuable insights for mines applying the stability graph method.enAttribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United StatesType of access: EmbargoMaster`s thesis