Rockburst hazard assessment in bedded rock mass: Laboratory tests of rock samples and numerical calculations

Abstract

The paper presents the results of analyses on tendency of bedded rock mass towards rockburst, carried out on the basis of laboratory tests of rock samples and determined indices, as well as by means of numerical calculations. The first part of the paper discusses selected parameters evaluating the tendency of rocks towards burst, on the basis of which the analysis was carried out in order to assess rockburst hazard in selected complexes of strata in Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Rockburst hazard in bedded rock mass is also analyzed with the use of numerical methods and the results of calculations of rock damage development in the exploitation front during coal deposit extraction are presented. Burst hazard of rock mass is studied through the changes of intensiveness of damage process in the area of exploitation front.