FINITE DIFFERENCE METHODS FOR MODELLING ELASTICALLY DISSIMILAR STRATA

Abstract This first stage development in numerical modelling of the coalmine gate roadway environment employs a two-dimensional finite difference approximation to represent the rock continuum. Because of the inelastic nature of rock failure and for greater realism, various modifications have been incorporated into a model based on the Mohr criterion of failure. Validation in model development has been effected by comparison of results with those obtained from comprehensive in-situ measurements at a colliery in the South Wales coalfield, U.K. The results demonstrate this modelling formulation to be of potential value to the understanding of rock deformation and the development of support system design criteria.