Assessing mine ventilation optimization and friction factor determination for underground mines

Abstract The determination of the friction factors in an underground excavation are crucial to reach an adequate model of the ventilation system and, consequently, to select the ventilation system and improve the comfort and safety of the mine. The diversity of calculation methods and experimental data sources makes it necessary to carry out a state of the art on this matter. An assessment of the friction factors is provided for different types of underground mining, soft and hard rock mining. Some data using TBM (tunnel boring machine) is also gathered and analyzed. Considering the excavation system, support applied, and mining method. A particular focus on the different techniques to obtain the friction factor values has also been described, including the new approaches available.