Features Of Geomechanical Processes Of Subcritical Deformation In The Vicinity Of The Face And Intersections Of Underground Mine Openings

Abstract

This paper investigates the geomechanical behavior of rock masses in the zone of subcritical deformation around underground mine openings. The relationship between deformation and failure processes is analyzed with emphasis on stress–strain interaction under varying structural, geometric, and stress conditions. Analytical models were used to evaluate the distribution of stresses and displacements in homogeneous, isotropic, linearly deformable rock masses surrounding circular and non-circular excavations under different lateral pressure coefficients. The results demonstrate that maximum tangential stress occurs along zones of maximum curvature in the excavation contour, while stress concentration diminishes rapidly with distance from the excavation boundary. It is shown that subcritical deformation analysis allows prediction of post-critical rock pressure phenomena and provides a reliable basis for assessing the stability of underground workings. The presence of technological heterogeneities of blasting origin slightly increases displacements but reduces the influence of anisotropic stress conditions and contour shape, simplifying analytical modeling of the rock mass.