• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.358-371
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• 2018

The stability of openings in the underground mine is major concern in the operation of mines that must ensure productivity and safety. Among many rock conditions affecting cavities stability, the width and height of the opening is an important design factor. In this paper, we consider to determine the maximum unsupported span of a opening in a limestone mine by using the Q system among several rock classification schemes. In order to determine the span of the unsupported opening in the limestone mine, rock mass classifications were carried out at over 200 sites in the underground limestone mines. The relationships by using the Q system and the stability graph proposed by Mathews to determine the maximum span of the unsupported opening were derived and compared. We propose a new classification method that combines GSI and RMR rock classification systems to make it easy to use in a field.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.503-510
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• 2007

Rock classification schemes such as RMR, Q-system were applied to investigate the stability of large-scale gangways mined in a limestone mine. 22 areas for engineering geological surveys were selected and rock classifications at each survey point had been carried out. Considering the fact that the observed gangways have not experienced some severe failure and have been stably maintained till now, it is found that Q-system is more reasonable than RMR in evaluating the stability of unsupported span. Also, extended Mathews stability graph method which is a kind of revised Q-system was used to assess the stability of gangways and the results represent that all gangways except for one area are under stable condition. Based on above the mentioned results, the empirical equations to design the maximum unsupported span and critical height of a large-scale gangway are suggested.