Abstract
In order to optimize the stope structure parameters in broken rock conditions, a novel method for the
optimization of stope structure parameters is described. The method is based on the field investigation,
laboratory tests and numerical simulation. The grey relational analysis (GRA) is applied to the optimization
of the stope structure parameters in broken rock conditions with multiple performance characteristics.
The influencing factors include stope height, pillar diameter, pillar spacing and pillar array pitch, the
performance characteristics include maximum tensile strength, maximum compressive strength and ore
recovery rate. The setting of influencing factors is accomplished using the four factors four levels Taguchi
experiment design method, and 16 experiments are done by numerical simulation. Analysis of the grey
relational grade indicates the first effect value of 0.219 is the pillar array pitch. In addition, the optimal
stope structure parameters are as follows: the height of the stope is 3.5 m, the pillar diameter is 3.5 m, the
pillar spacing is 3 m and the pillar array pitch is 5 m. In-situ measurement shows that all of the pillars can
basically remain stable, ore recovery rate can be ensured to be more than 82%. This study indicates that
the GRA method can efficiently applied to the optimization of stope structure parameters.
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