From rock properties to fracture networks, see the complete FEM stability analysis workflow in K-MINE. Define material parameters, generate the finite element mesh, analyze stresses and displacements, review the factor of safety, and model fractures to better represent actual rock mass conditions.
Video transcription
Finite Element Stability Analysis in K-MINE
Welcome! In this video, we’ll show you how to set up and calculate stability parameters in K-MINE using the Finite Element Method.
FEM is a widely recognized approach used around the world, and one of the advantages of K-MINE is how easily you can define all the parameters required for the analysis.
Creating a Rock Type Library
First, we create a list of rock types.
You only need to do this once: save the library and reuse it in future calculations whenever needed.
We select the Hoek–Brown criterion, enter the rock type name, and specify Young’s modulus, which characterizes material stiffness, in kilopascals.
Next, we define Poisson’s ratio for the elastic properties and enter the specific weight.
Finally, we specify the strength parameters, which describe the rock’s ability to withstand loading without failure.
Assigning Rock Types and Finite Element Size
We repeat these steps until the required rock library is complete.
Now we link the objects to their corresponding rock types. Select the layer containing the object and specify which rock type it represents.
We also define the size of the finite elements into which each rock model will be divided during the calculation.
Defining the Rock Mass Boundaries
The next step is to define the boundaries of the rock mass where stability will be evaluated.
This is done using standard polylines.
The important part is to assign them correctly to the corresponding boundary conditions.
Generating the Mesh and Running the Calculation
We can now generate the mesh and run the calculation.
Results are displayed immediately for all available parameters. There are quite a few, but you can review them one at a time.
The results include the factor of safety, along with detailed information for each parameter.
Stress, Strain, and Displacement Analysis
The Finite Element Method analyzes the following parameters:
horizontal displacement;
maximum shear strain;
horizontal normal stress along the X-axis;
horizontal normal strain along the X-axis;
strain along the X-axis;
normal stress along the Z-axis;
shear strain;
shear stress;
total displacement;
vertical displacement.
Each parameter is visualized using a gradient fill across the rock mass, with its own scale shown in the legend.
Fracture Modeling in the Rock Mass
Next, we move on to fracture modeling within the rock mass.
A wide range of ready-made templates is available, and each can be further customized by adjusting fracture spacing, strike, density, and other parameters.
Many characteristics depend on the fracture type and are configured individually.
One particularly useful feature is the ability to immediately see how the fracture network overlays the rock mass and decide whether the selected configuration works for your model.
Fracture modeling brings the calculation closer to real rock mass conditions.
The more accurate the input data, the more representative and reliable the result will be.
Balancing Economics and Stability
There is always a fine balance between economics and stability, and we hope you find it.
Remember, this is only one of the stability analysis methods available in K-MINE.
Experiment with different approaches, and keep your pits safe. Good luck!