| Abstract | Computer codes have been used by various researchers in modelling viscoelastic formations, with a good degree of success. Serata used a complex rheological model, REM (Rheological Element Model) code,
to simulate mine openings [2]. Others, in the U.S. Nuclear Waste Isolation Programme, have evaluated the capability of various codes for the design of nuclear waste repository [3]. Because of the proprietary nature of the above codes, they are not
available to mine operators in Canada. Consequently, in 1984, CANMET initiated a research project to develop a numerical modelling package for use in the design of underground potash mine openings. GEOROC is the resultant computer program; it was
developed by RE/SPEC Ltd., of Calgary under contract to CANMET. In recent years, computer simulation is playing an increasingly important role in evaluating the short and long term structural stability of underground mine openings, and in ground
control studies related to mine design and layout. Such simulations are increasingly being used in the design of underground salt and potash mines. Because of the viscoelastic nature of salt rock formations, simulation models must take into
consideration their time dependent properties if they are to correctly predict opening closures, ground stresses, and ground stability based on prescribed failure criteria. This presentation describes the capabilities, limitations and the use of
computer code - GEOROC. A case history in which GEOROC is used to simulate a typical room and pillar mining section of a Western Canadian potash mine is provided. Predicted ground behaviour using the code is compared with actual behaviour as
determined through field measurements. Results indicate that good correlation exits between predicted and measured ground behaviour, and is an encouragement to greater use of modelling in mine stability studies related to mine design. |