Simulated rockburst experiment—an overview

A simulated rockburst experiment was conducted underground at a deep level gold mine. This was done by means of a large explosion detonated in solid rock close to a tunnel sidewall. The resultant shake-out damage is typical of that associated with a small seismic event in close proximity to a tunnel that is subjected to the estimated field stress, as in this case, of 50 MPa. The experiment involved: i?½ the design of a blast to mimic a seismic source i?½ seismic monitoring using a dense seismic array i?½ high speed video filming i?½ a study of rock mass conditions (fractures, joints, rock strength etc.) before and after the simulation using mapping and ground penetrating radar i?½ special investigations to evaluate the mechanism and the magnitude of the damage i?½ a study of support behaviour under excessive dynamic loading.