Further validation of bracket pillar design methodology

Abstract

Design charts for bracket pillar design were developed under a previous SIMRAC project GAP 223 to provide rock mechanics engineers with an initial estimate of bracket pillar sizes for clearly identified geological discontinuities, based on mining and geological factors that would be easily measured. GAP 516, the current project, was concerned with the applicability of the above design approach to real mine geometries and has concentrated, therefore, on studying the behaviour of various closely monitored bracket pillars, including a validation, based on field data, of the bracket pillar design methodology.