Application of Finite/Discrete Element Techniques to Blast Modelling in Underground Mines

Safety is one of the main concerns in underground mining.   Blasting within the mines for ore removal is one of the main causes of instability within the mine backfill that leads to accidents.  A project led by Dr Riyu Wei of the University of Queensland is using finite element (FE) modelling techniques to better predict failure risks due to blasting effects in underground mines.

The project has focused on achieving two major outcomes: developing numerical models with which to study the blasting, and building a virtual environment in which the numerical models may be studied.