Features of the rock mass stress-strain state at underground mining of uranium ores

Abstract The stress-strain state of the rocks mass for different conditions of uranium deposits mining using a mathematical model was investigated. This model is implemented by the method of finite elements with the help of the analytical calculations technique. That method ensures the determination of the main stress components when the shapes, sizes, and physical and mechanical properties of rocks are change. It includes an elastic-plastic model of the rock mass and an improved method of predicting the zoning and spatial orientation of man-made fractures taking into account the mass layering. The changes in the main parameters of the stress-strain state and fracturing of rocks were investigated by the method of mathematical modeling using the finite element method. These parameters include the maximum principal stresses, strains and shifts. Areas of increased fracturing, which are potentially dangerous due to rock chips and delamination of rock blocks, have been identified. The regularities of changes in the stress-strain state of the near-contour rock mass uranium extraction by borehole leaching on the example of the Safoniv seamed deposit of sandstone type and at underground mining on the example of the Smoline uranium mine of the Vatutin deposit of the metasomatite type are established.