Geomechanical assessment of stress-strain conditions in structurally heterogeneous rock masses of Kyrgyzstan

This study focuses on assessing the stress-strain state of rock masses in structurally heterogeneous ore deposits of Kyrgyzstan. The primary objectives include identifying stress distribution patterns with depth, analyzing the impact of tectonic faults, and establishing the relationship between the elastic properties of rocks and their strength parameters. A comprehensive methodological approach is employed, including in-situ stress measurements using the overcoring technique to determine principal normal stresses at various depths, laboratory tests to evaluate elastic wave velocities, Young’s and shear modulus, and statistical analysis to derive regression relationships. Furthermore, the orientation of principal stresses is reconstructed, and the influence of tectonic discontinuities on the stress field within the rock mass is evaluated. The results indicate that vertical stresses in the rock mass approximately correspond to the overburden pressure, expressed as γH. Regression models obtained for competent and moderately strong rocks confirm that the experimental data lies between the values predicted by N. Hast’s relationships and those derived from hydrostatic stress distribution. The analysis of elastic properties reveals a high degree of anisotropy, where variations in P-wave velocity strongly correlate with changes in Young’s and shear moduli. The practical significance of this research lies in its contribution to developing more accurate predictive models for the stress-strain behavior of ore-bearing rock masses, thereby enhancing the design of underground excavations.