An instrumentation project to investigate the response of a ground support system to stoping induced formation

As a sub-project of the industry-sponsored Ground Support Systems Optimisation Project being delivered by the Australian Centre for Geomechanics (University of Western Australia), an instrumented trial has been carried out at George Fisher Mine (part of Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines operation) Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. The aim of the trial was firstly to measure the response of a ground support system to mining related excavation in close proximity and secondly to replicate that response by means of a numerical model. This paper deals with the trial site, instrumentation and data acquired. Displacement measurements were taken using a tape extensometer and also by means of photogrammetry. An array of SMARTTM cables was used to determine support load distributions and extents of the deformation zone. Fibrecrete liner load was measured by means of vibrating wire strain gauges embedded in the liner. Observation holes were used to verify the extent of the fracture zone around the trial site excavations. Displacements, loads and strains were tracked by manual and automated data retrieval methods and are presented in the paper. A discussion of the results and their implication for numerical modelling of ground support is presented.