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Probabilistic analysis of underground pillar stability
Author(s) -
Griffiths D. V.,
Fenton Gordon A.,
Lemons Carisa B.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.419
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1096-9853
pISSN - 0363-9061
DOI - 10.1002/nag.222
Subject(s) - pillar , stability (learning theory) , probabilistic logic , geotechnical engineering , safety factor , monte carlo method , reliability (semiconductor) , context (archaeology) , finite element method , compressive strength , random field , factor of safety , structural engineering , engineering , slope stability , mathematics , computer science , geology , statistics , materials science , paleontology , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , machine learning , composite material
The majority of geotechnical analyses are deterministic, in that the inherent variability of the materials is not modelled directly, rather some ‘factor of safety’ is applied to results computed using ‘average’ properties. In the present study, the influence of spatially varying strength is assessed via numerical experiments involving the compressive strength and stability of pillars typically used in underground construction and mining operations. The model combines random field theory with an elasto‐plastic finite element algorithm in a Monte‐Carlo framework. It is found that the average strength of the rock is not a good indicator of the overall strength of the pillar. The results of this study enable traditional approaches involving factors of safety to be re‐interpreted as a ‘probability of failure’ in the context of reliability based design. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.