Development of a Method for Measuring Rock Mass Air Permeability and Applications to Underground Mining
Date
2017-05-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0003-3873-8556
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Potential problems associated with groundwater inflows are a major concern to many
Saskatchewan mining operations. Rock mass behavior and stability have been linked to the
presence of groundwater and the inflow potential. An estimate of rock mass hydraulic
properties is an important factor for assessing groundwater inflow potential and the effect
this may have on the stability of mine openings.
The Cameco McArthur River Operation in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, uses a number of
methods for mitigating groundwater inflow. The potential still exists for water pressures to
contribute to instability in the rock mass surrounding underground excavations.
Hydrogeological testing using water has been conducted previously to estimate hydraulic
properties, however, flow tests for permeability are challenging due to inconsistent flow.
Pumping tests are not feasible due to associated stability concerns. Methods using air for
estimating rock mass hydraulic properties were determined to be the best option for testing.
Equipment, methodology and analysis approaches were developed to conduct air
permeability tests for estimating the hydraulic properties of the rock mass. Tests were
conducted near underground excavations with the goal of determining if the developed
method and procedures were feasible to apply in an underground mining environment. The
data was analyzed to determine if the permeability estimates obtained were consistent with
permeability values measured for similar rock types and rock mass conditions. Test locations
were varied to determine if links could be found between measured air permeability, rock
mass behavior and the rock mass response to adjacent excavations. Measured changes in air
permeability corresponding to the distance from excavation boundaries may indicate changes
to joint properties such as joint aperture, continuity and frequency. The developed
instrumentation and testing procedures are shown to be successful in estimating permeability
and giving measurable changes in rock mass permeability around underground excavations.
Description
Keywords
Rock Mass, Air Permeability
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Civil and Geological Engineering
Program
Civil Engineering