Geotechnical design of pillars in underground mines of gold veins in cases of Colombia

Abstract

In this work is presented an empirical-analytical method for the design of rock pillars in the underground mining of gold veins in Colombia. The proposal is focused in the observation of the failure mechanisms of existing pillars from real mines, field surveys, experimental rock mechanics and static analysis. The definition of the size of the pillar is based on compliance with stability requirements by evaluation between the available strength and the acting forces. The method is presented with the intention of facilitating its adoption by small and medium-scale mining.