History of development and prospects for further application of the geodynamic zoning method

The paper describes the background for the development of the geodynamic zoning method at VNIMI, which was the leading organization studying the problem of rock bursts, in the Soviet Union. This method is intended for zoning of deposits by the degree of geodynamic hazard and is aimed at assessing the stressed state of rock massif using the general-to-specific principle. The method involves identification of hierarchically ordered block structure of the rock massif; determination of the interaction dynamics between the blocks and assessment of the stressed state of the block massif, including the states upon commencement of the field development; development of recommendations for safe mining operations with account of the results obtained and possible changes in the stressed state of the rock mass under the impact of the mining operations. The method has also found its application in oil fields to identify promising locations for wells, in identifying geodynamically dangerous zones along the railroads and pipelines, residential and industrial areas. Theoretical provisions on the interaction of global geodynamic and local geomechanical processes during mining operations, concepts of the critically stressed state of the Earth's crust from the day-time surface down to a certain depth have been confirmed in practice and in research findings in different countries of the world. Conducting work on geodynamic zoning of coal and ore deposits that are prone to and hazardous in terms of rock bursts is stipulated by the current safety instructions. VNIMI continues to develop theoretical aspects of geodynamic zoning and performs practical work on geomechanical safety in the fields, which is shown using a case study of the Kamchatka region.