Phase II of the BurstSupport project aims to validate both the BurstSupport and S-GMAT design tools, each developed in Phase I of the project, through carefully selected case studies using active mine sites.

    The current rock support design approach is based on anticipated ground motions obtained from scaling laws developed from the Canadian Rockburst Research Program in the 1990s (Kaiser et al.,1996). Case studies are needed to verify the use of scaling laws for design purposes. It is observed that the degree of rockburst damage may or may not be strongly associated with the level of ground motion at a specific location. This needs to be further clarified through forensic analysis of rockburst damage case histories using both the BurstSupport and S-GMAT tools.

    The main objectives of this study are:

    1. Select appropriate rockburst events from which the case studies can be completed
    2. Collect data for conducting the respective case studies at the sponsors’ mines
    3. Conduct forensic analyses at each mine site using the BurstSupport and S-GMAT tools to verify the scaling law approach for design purposes. Correlate the rockburst damage with observed and simulated ground motions
    4. Provide the basis for further tool development and rock support design rationale modification Currently, the program is examining data from Vale’s Creighton Mine in Sudbury; Glencore’s Kidd Creek Mine in Timmins, and Newcrest’s Cadia East Mine in NSW Australia.