How to estimate the modulus of deformation of a block rock masses using discrete element simulations?

The deformation modulus of rock mass is a fundamental parameter in the geomechanics of tunnels, mining, and other geotechnical rock-supported facilities. The mechanical properties of a rock mass, seen as a fractured medium, are determined by the intact rock, the pattern of relative joint-sets, the geometrical arrangement of the joints, and their mechanical properties. Joint sets, acting as planar discontinuities, confer scale and direction-dependent mechanical properties. The critical factor influencing the deformational behavior of a rock mass is the stiffness of its fractures and discontinuities. The present study investigates the anisotropic deformation modulus of blocky rock masses formed by three intersecting joint sets, including two orthogonal sets. This was achieved through discrete element simulations of representative volumes of blocky rock masses. These studies facilitate the estimation of the blocky rock mass deformation modulus in different directions without the need for laboratory and in-situ tests or empirical relationships.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Ahrami O., Javaheri Koupaei H., Ahangari K. Determination of deformation modulus and characterization of anisotropic behavior of blocky rock masses. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(2):116-133. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-08-143

Subscribe to the journal's Telegram channel:
👉t.iss.one/MinSciTech👈

#inenglish #MST #anisotropy #deformation #modulus #mass #rocks #loading #fracture #stiffness #strength #shear #resistance #stress #displacement #sliding #quartz #modeling #coefficient #index #blocks #deformations #material #surface #structure #boundary #experiment #geomechanics #JRC #UCS #GSI #simulation

How can the efficiency of flotation processing of complex ores be improved?

Flotation beneficiation plays a leading role in the processing most ores. The efficiency of this process is ensured by the correct selection of operating modes, which involves choosing the most selective reagents and determining their optimal consumption. The conducted research, presented in the journal Mining Science and Technology, allowed to find a new methodological approach to the study of ore flotation beneficiation using ionometry methods. The data obtained from ion-selective sensors significantly deepen our insight into the transformations occurring during the flotation process and allow for consideration of possible adverse factors that hinder effective process progression. A universal flowchart for flotation studies with ion-selective sensors has been developed, facilitating the application of this approach to various ores. The implementation of the results from this comparative analysis has led to a 7.8% increase in beneficiation efficiency while reducing reagent consumption. Additionally, the insights gained into the electrochemical processes occurring allowed for assumptions about the adverse factors affecting flotation outcomes. In conclusion, a model for the potential application of this approach at existing enterprises was proposed, including the implementation of an “intelligent assistant” for flotation operators based on the developed electrochemical models.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Yakovleva T.A., Romashev A.O., Mashevsky G.N. Enhancing flotation beneficiation efficiency of complex ores using ionometry methods. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(2):146-157. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-08-145

Subscribe to the journal's Telegram channel:
👉t.iss.one/MinSciTech👈

#inenglish #MST #flotation #beneficiation #ore #method #ionometry #ion #reagent #experiment #electrode #concentrate #pulp #grinding #modification #selectivity #aeration #sorption #corrosion #depression #kinetics #modeling #optimization #sensor #membrane #xanthate #sulfide #control

We present the articles of the first issue of scientific journal "Mining Science and Technology” (Russia) for 2025:

Scientists investigated a novel method for reinforcing sandy soils using polyurethane compounds. During construction of engineering structures and mineral deposit development, strengthening loose rock formations often becomes necessary, yet conventional polymer reinforcement techniques provide insufficient strength. Experimental studies introduced a two-solution treatment technology: initial mixing of sand with a slow-reacting highly elastic compound followed by addition of 5% rapid-curing single-component resin. Triaxial compression tests demonstrated that this approach creates cured polymer aggregates that bind mineral grains without complete void filling, increasing sand strength by 5-fold. The resulting geomaterial exhibits superior deformation resistance under axial stress, while maintaining strength independence from rapid-curing additives when the resin-to-rock volume ratio exceeds 0.3. The research confirms that the dual-solution method significantly enhances soil stability even with minimal polymer consumption, offering important practical applications for construction and mining operations.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Shilova T.V., Serdyukov S.V., Drobchik A.N. Experimental research of stress-strain properties of sandy soil when strengthened with polyurethane compounds. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2025;10(1):15-24. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2024-08-303


Subscribe to our Telegram channel:
👉 t.iss.one/MinSciTech 👈

#InEnglish #MST #soil #sand #properties #strength #strengthening #technology #treatment #polyurethane #resin #geomaterial #testing #triaxial #compression #failure #strain #geotech #engineering #construction #polymer #stabilization #research #experiment #materialscience #groundimprovement #geomechanics #durability #elasticity #SEM #microstructure #geotechnical #civilengineering

We present the articles of the first issue of scientific journal "Mining Science and Technology” (Russia) for 2025:

Scientists conducting research at the mines of the VVerkhnekamsk potassium-magnesium salt deposit (VPMSD) discovered an interesting pattern: gas-air surveys show that the volume of gaseous impurities in the main ventilation drifts is often significantly lower than in the working areas of dead-end workings. This phenomenon of decreasing gas concentrations along the ventilation airflow path is explained not only by the dilution of impurities due to fresh air leaks but also by the chemical neutralization of gases through interaction with the potash rock mass. Previously conducted laboratory studies confirmed the ability of sylvinite (NaCl + KCl) to absorb toxic and combustible gases. This paper presents the results of field studies at one of the VPMSD mines, where the dynamics of gas impurities in the workings were studied, taking into account both chemical processes and ventilation factors. Specialists measured the concentration of combustible and toxic gases in seams of different mineral compositions and analyzed the influence of potash salt properties on the gas composition in long dead-end workings. Laboratory analysis of the collected air samples, performed by chromatographic method using the "CHROMOS GH-1000" instrument, made it possible to quantitatively assess the contribution of gas neutralization and dilution processes to the reduction of harmful impurity concentrations. The results showed that in long dead-end workings of seam AB (100 m or more), the content of gaseous impurities consistently decreases as the distance from the dead end to the mouth of the working increases. The study also examined other factors influencing changes in the gas composition in mine workings.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Starikov A.N., Maltsev S.V., Sukhanov A.E. Influence of the sorption properties of potash salts on the gas environment in dead-end mine workings. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2025;10(1):25-33. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2024-01-210

Subscribe to our Telegram channel:
👉 t.iss.one/MinSciTech 👈

#InEnglish #MST #mine #gas #sorption #leaks #sylvinite #methane #CO #CO2 #H2S #ventilation #shaft #safety #chemistry #science #mining #analysis #experiment #laboratory #air #seam #measurement #point #length #path #jet #face #mouth #volume #harm #risk #standard #method #device #data #result #experience #salt #KCl #NaCl #zone #deadend #tube #speed #pressure #balance #neutralization

We present the articles of the first issue of scientific journal "Mining Science and Technology” (Russia) for 2025:

Scientists have determined how relative air humidity affects the size of hygroscopic salt dust aerosols – a key factor in addressing ventilation challenges in potash mines. With the expansion of mining operations, the issue of fresh air shortages in mines has become critical. Traditional ventilation methods are no longer sufficient, giving way to recirculation and "ventilation on demand" systems. However, their effective operation requires a precise understanding of how salt dust behaves in a humid atmosphere. When rock is fractured, it generates NaCl and KCl aerosols, which absorb moisture, increase in size, and settle. Accurate models are needed to predict their dispersion. Researchers studied the mechanisms of hygroscopic growth, hysteresis, deliquescence, and recrystallization of salt particles. Due to the challenges of conducting experiments in mines, data on oceanic aerosols of the same composition were used. These models were adapted to mine conditions, yielding average values for the hygroscopic growth factor of salt dust. Remarkably, the particle growth dynamics in mines and over the ocean were found to be very similar! To predict changes in aerosol size, Young's model was proposed, which effectively describes the process in log-log coordinates. These findings will help improve dust condition calculations in salt and potash mines, enhancing ventilation systems and miner safety.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Chernyi K.A., Faynburg G.Z. Evaluation of variation of salt dust hygroscopic aerosol particle size as a function of relative air humidity. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2025;10(1):34-44. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2024-07-283

Subscribe to our Telegram channel:
👉 t.iss.one/MinSciTech 👈

#InEnglish #MST #halite #sylvine #sylvinite #potashmine #saltdust #aerosolparticles #sizedistribution #hygroscopicgrowthfactor #ventilation #safety #atmosphere #dissolution #crystallization #model #humidity #NaCl #KCl #mining #particles #growth #diameter #theory #experiment #research #science #technology #dust #air #water #surface #process #data #analysis #study #results #YoungModel #speleotherapy #minerals #physics #chemistry #engineering #environment #health

How to determine the deformation modulus and anisotropy in blocky rock masses?

🔹 In a study published in Mining Science and Technology (Russia), the authors investigated the anisotropic behavior of blocky rock masses. They employed the discrete element method to model and analyze the deformation modulus as a function of loading direction, joint properties, and intact rock characteristics.

🔹 Key Findings:
✔️ The deformation modulus depends on the Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC) and the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) of the intact rock.
✔️ The influence of joint roughness on the deformation modulus is three times greater than that of intact rock strength.
✔️ The degree of anisotropy in the deformation modulus ranged from 1.6 ≤ Rₑ ≤ 2.5, with an average value of 1.88.
✔️ During joint sliding failure, the yield strain (0.2–0.4) is independent of the loading angle (θ) and the orientation of the third joint set (α).

🔹 Practical Applications:
The results enable the prediction of rock mass behavior without costly field tests, which is crucial for designing tunnels, boreholes, and other geotechnical structures.

Read the full study in Mining Science and Technology (Russia):

📌 Ahrami O., Javaheri Koupaei H., Ahangari K. Determination of deformation modulus and characterization of anisotropic behavior of blocky rock masses. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(2):116–133. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-08-143

🔔 Subscribe to our Telegram channel: t.iss.one/MinSciTech

#InEnglish #MST #anisotropy #deformation #modulus #mass #rocks #loading #fracture #stiffness #strength #shear #resistance #stress #displacement #sliding #quartz #modeling #coefficient #index #blocks #deformations #material #surface #structure #boundary #experiment #geomechanics #JRC #UCS #GSI #simulation