Napier, J.A.L. (John)Malan, D.F. (Daniel Francois)2018-08-072018-09Napier, J.A.L. & Malan, D.F. 2018, 'Simulation of tabular mine face advance rates using a simplified fracture zone model', International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 109, pp. 105-114.1365-1609 (print)1873-4545 (online)10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.06.024http://hdl.handle.net/2263/66120This paper describes a method to determine the time-dependent stability of the fracture zone near the edges of tabular excavation layouts when different mining rates and face advance increment lengths are scheduled. Some analytic properties of the proposed time-dependent fracture zone evolution model are presented initially for a simplified mining geometry. The implementation of the model in a general tabular layout setting is described next including a novel scheme to allow for partially fractured elements. The reef plane stress distribution in the fracture zone is solved using a fast marching method that is coupled to a displacement discontinuity solution of the excavation and fracture zone deformations. The numerical scheme is illustrated by considering the extraction of a hypothetical deep-level mining layout. The sensitivity of the results to changes in the mining rate schedule and the face advance step size are discussed. Further extensions to the solution scheme are noted.en© 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 109, pp. 105-114, 2018. doi : 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.06.024.Tabular miningMining rateFace stabilityFast marching methodFractureFracture zoneTime dependentEvolution modelingDisplacement discontinuityDeep-level miningAnalytic propertiesExcavationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-08SDG-08: Decent work and economic growthEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-13SDG-13: Climate actionPostprint Article