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Department of geomechanics and mining research

Personnel
  • RNDr. Lubomir Stas, CSc.
    head of the department
  • Ing. Kamil Soucek, Ph.D.
    deputy head of the department
  • Lucie Georgiovska
  • RNDr. Jan Chura
  • Ing. Vlastimil Kajzar
  • Doc. Ing. Petr Konecny, CSc.
  • Ing. Petr Konicek, Ph.D.
  • Ing. Zdenek Michalec
  • Zdenek Nohejl
  • Ing. Jiri Ptacek, Ph.D.
  • Tomas Rutar
  • Lenka Smetanova
  • Ing. Jarmila Simkovicova
  • Doc. Ing. Richard Snuparek, CSc.
Main research topics

The department investigates natural and anthropogenic impacts on geomechanical processes in the Earth crust. The problems of underground mining, underground civil engineering, some geotechnical and geomechanical problems and the problems of underground space ventilation are solved both for obtaining scientific results and solving practical problems. Solution of stability of natural and artificial underground openings serves to ensure safe operational conditions.

  • Investigation of stress and strain states in rock mass

    The research concerns space distribution, magnitude and orientation of natural and induced stress fields in relation to geology, tectonic situation, anthropogenic activities in rock mass and analysis of stress state manifestation. Research is aimed at investigation of real rock mass stress field and its changes by hydrofracturig, use of conical gauge probe and gauge rock bolt measuring; geomechanical monitoring, measurement of underground opening deformation and analysis of the stability states; application of mathematical models in geomechanics and geotechnics for investigation of processes in rocks and soils from the engineering point of view; dynamical geomechanical events in rock mass; influence of geological and anthropogenic underground activity on subsidence of the Earth surface.

  • Investigation of reinforcing methods and aimed adjustment of the rock mass properties

    The research concerns distribution, magnitude and orientation of natural and induced stress fields in relation to geology, tectonic situation, anthropogenic activities in rock mass and analysis of stress state manifestation. Research is aimed at investigation of real rock mass stress field and its changes by hydrofracturig, conical gauge probe and gauge rock bolt measuring; geomechanical monitoring, measurement of underground opening deformation and analysis of the stability states; application of mathematical models in geomechanics and geotechnics for investigation of processes in rocks and soils from the engineering point of view; dynamical geomechanical events in rock mass; influence of anthropogenic underground activity on subsidence of the Earth surface.

  • Investigation of air flow in underground openings

    Mathematical modelling of gas flow in specific conditions. Computation of ventilation in the underground galleries optionally with the use of machine cooling. Modelling and calculation of spreading of the combustion products of mine fire in mine gallery system. Modelling of mine fire expansion in goaf. Modelling of gas flow in spoil banks.

  • Destress blasting in rock mass and the evaluation of its effect

    Destress blasting is the most important active rockburst measure in the Czech part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Destress blasting is carried out in the coal seam and its adjacent rocks in overburden and/or in the underlying rocks. Evaluation of efficiency of destress blasting in sense of stress release in rock massive is important part of rockburst prevention. Present system of the efficiency evaluation is assessed on the basis of seismological monitoring. The research is focused on usable parameters from seismological monitoring (registered seismic energy, magnitude, maximum volume changes in focal area), natural conditions and technical parameters of realized destress blasting.

Important scientific achievements

  • Improving of rock mass properties by grouting means

    Collection of knowledge of the methods and results of goal-directed influencing of rock mass properties by chemical grouts have been investigated. Particularly increasing of safety level and stability of underground openings in the conditions of increased static and dynamic stress have been studied. Especially reinforcing of the low strength but brittle layers of a rock mass around underground openings is characterized by qualitative modification of the deformational properties of arising geocomposites. It vents itself in considerable increasing of cohesion and rise of residual strength over the ultimate strength of rock material. Likewise, by using suitably chosen grouts, it is possible to treat existing joint system in rock mass and to guarantee increased cohesion even in the case of significant deformations or to reach (in macro-dimension) a rehabilitation of material strength even up to original strength of the intact material. The real verifications of the methods and technologies of rock mass reinforcing by chemical grouts were done by in-situ experiments in coal mines. The field experiments document real possibility and effectivity of chemical grouting for goal-directed material improvement of rock mass properties in practice. Especially good reinforcing was achieved in combination with the anchoring elements.

  • Induced stress field on the background of primary stress
    influenced by structural - geological inhomogenities

    The unique set of stress measurements in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian basin has been extended. The direction of the major principal stress parallely approaches the geological structures, i.e. the tectonical faults but also the folding structures. The major principal stress in average achieves the value of the overburden load, the minor principal stress is 0.5 - 0.6 multiple of it. We created the large 3D mathematical model of the area containing detailed information about the mining and geological situation in the 2nd block of the CSM Colliery The verifications of hypotheses for clarification of the stress field distribution in the area proved that the distribution of horizontal stress in the area in the depth of 1 km under the surface is primarily induced by overburden load and formed by the structural and geomechanical properties of the area. The additional part of the stress caused by shift of the Carpatian napes has not been verified in the whole analyzed area. The influence is only acceptable in the east part of the monitored area adjacent to the Tesin fault. For measurement of the induced stress changes by overcoring method, a prototype of an equipment was developed, which is unique in the Czech Republic. The main idea is based on application of the conical tensometric head, which makes the measurement of whole stress tensor in a single position possible. Wireless recording simplifies and facilitates to observe the process of overcoring. The simplified variant of the probe is applicable for long time monitoring of stress changes as well.

  • Mathematical modelling of mine fire effect on air flow and propagating
    of mine fire products within mine ventilation network

    In spite of big expansion of security interlocking and measurement technologies as well as development of application of materials with considerably reduced inflammability a potential rise of mine fire in any place of underground mine cannot be excluded. The rise of mine fire is very dangerous for mine personnel not only due to developing and propagating of mine fire products containing toxic substances which are entrained into other mine workings, but also due to the fact that changes in quantity and direction of volumetric air flow within mine ventilation network occur by thermal effect of heat generated by mine fire. Main aim of the project was development of mathematical model, which will explain the impact of mine fire on air flow and on propagation of mine fire products within mine ventilation network. The mathematical model was elaborated in form of computer programme with synoptic graphic editor for representing of ventilation branches and their basic parameters such as volumetric through-flow, depression, temperatures, chemical composition of the mine air.

  • New methods of prognosis of surface subsidence affected by underground
    exploitation of ore vein deposits of Rozna type

    A prognosis of development of subsidence depressions above ore veín deposits of slab-like type with solid adjacent rocks (deposits of Rozna type) mined by underground method is a very specific problem and it has not been satisfactorily solved until now. In connection with long-term surveying observations a newly conceived mechanism of genesis of subsidence depression above uranium deposit of Rožná was described. Based on it, a geomechanical model of deposit situation is elaborated which then enables by means of mathematical modelling of surface subsidence development to predict of development of subsidence depression both in phase of deposit mining and in period after termination of mining works.

  • Collection of knowledge of rockbursts in coal mines and the means
    for minimization of their impacts

    Knowledge of main causes of rockbursts were collected and analyzed on the base of detailed study of the rockbursts in Ostrava-Karvina coal basin from 1989 and by means of mathematical modelling. The means for improvement of dynamic bearing capacity of support in exposed part of mine for minimization of eventual rockburst demonstration were studied. Proposal of the prevention measures for decreasing risk was partly supplemented into new decree No. 659/04 Sb. issued by the Czech Mining Authority and partly into the other legislative changes in Working rules and Methodical principles.

  • Evaluation of effectiveness of rock blasting for stress release in rock massif (monograph)

    Rock burst is one of very dangerous phenomenon in Czech part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). Destress rock blasting in overlaying strata belongs to the most important measures. The main goal of that measure is disintegration of competent rock in overlaying strata and due to it the stress release in the vicinity of excavated coal seam. Qualify and quantify stress release is very important in evaluation of rockburst prevention. The monograph sums up existing knowledge in destress blasting in conditions of USCB. The most common method of evaluation of release effect based on seismic monitoring data is described. Seismic effect is calculated as ratio of registered seismic energy to theoretic energy released by explosive during blasting. Contemporary system of seismic effect evaluation is discussed. The relevant data obtained from seismological monitoring in period from 2000 to 2008 were analyzed. On the basis of analyzed data (about 900 destress blasting) a new (verify) system of release effect evaluation is proposed. The new system use registered seismic energy and magnitude. On the basis of statistic analysis of data set of destress blasting is new system of evaluation of seismic effect is presented.

Selected publications
  • M. Bojko, Z. Michalec, M. Carnogurska: Numerical modelling of the stratified smoke. In International scientific conference held on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of founding the Fakulty of Mechanical Engineering. Proceedings of the Session 10-Fluid Mechanics and Mechanisms, Ostrava, 7.-9.9.2005. pp. 21-26. ISBN 80-248-0890-0.
  • P. Dvorsky, J. Golasowski, P. Konicek, M. Kubica: Geomechanical experience with coal working in the 4th block in the coal seam 37 at CSA colliery in Karvina. In Proceedings of the 11th International scientific-technical conference Rockbursts 2004, Ustron, November 8-11, 2004, Central mining institute in Katowice 2004.
  • P. Dvorsky, P. Konicek: Systems of Rock Blasting as a Rock Burst Measure in the Czech Part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin. In Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Rockburst and Seismicity in Mines, Perth, Western Australia, March 9-11, 2005, Australian Centre of Geomechanics 2005.
  • P. Dvorsky, P. Konicek, E. Morkovska, L. Palla: Rock blasting as a rockburst control measures in the safety pillar of SW crosscuts at Lazy colliery in Orlova. In Proceedings of the 10th International scientific-technical conference Rockbursts 2003, Ustron, November 12-14, 2003, Central mining institute in Katowice 2003, pp. 37 - 45.
  • A. Hajek, K. Hortvik, P. Konecny, R. Snuparek: Matematicke modelovani poklesu povrchu vlivem dobyvani na lozisku Rozna a jejich prognoza. Uhli-rudy-geologicky pruzkum, 48 [7] 3-9 (2000).
  • J. Holecko, P. Konicek: Selected Geological Factors Impacting Effects of Induced Seismicity on Surface in Conditions of Ostrava-Karvina Coalfield in the Czech Republic. In Proceedings of the 11th Congress of the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM 2007), Lisbon, July 9-13, 2007, Taylor & Francis, Balkema 2007, pp. 1177-1184.
  • J. Holecko, J. Ptacek, G. Takla, P. Konecny: Rock bursts in the Czech part of the upper Silesian Coal Basin - Features, theoretical models and conclusions for practice. In: International Congress on Rock Mechanics. Proceedings. - (Ed. Vouille, G.
  • K. Hortvik, L. Stas: Prognosis of surface subsidence affected by underground exploitation of ore vein deposits of Rozna type. In: Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China 15: 296-301 Sp. Iss. 1 MAR 2005.
  • P. Konecny: Changes of nature of rockbursts with increasing mining depth in Czech part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin. In: Rockbursts and seismicity in Mine. Dynamic rock mass response to minig. - (Ed. Aswegen, G. van). - Johannesburg, South African Institute of Mining 2000. - pp. 331-336.
  • P. Konicek: Evaluation of effectivness of rock blasting for stress release in rock massif (in Czech). Documenta Geonica 2009/1, Ustav geoniky AV CR, v.v.i., Ostrava 2009.
  • P. Konicek, P. Dvorsky, C. Bonczek, A. Przeczek: The Rockburst Measure in Conditions of Ostrava-Karvina Coalfield (in Polish). In Proceedings of the 13th International scientific-technical conference Natural mining hazards 2006, Ustron, November 7-11, 2006, Central mining institute in Katowice 2006.
  • P. Konicek, A. Przeczek: Study of selected cases of local stress reduction due to rock blasting. In Proceedings of the 15th International scientific-technical conference GZN 2008, Andzrychow, November 3-7, 2008, Central mining institute in Katowice, 2008, pp. 143-161.
  • M. Kozubkova, Z. Michalec, A. Taufer: Numerical modelling of the stratified smoke transport in a passage. In School of mine ventilation 2006. Proceedings of 4th International Conference, Krakow, 10.-13.10.2006. pp. 117-124. ISBN 83-913109-7-3.
  • I. Kroutilova, L. Matejka, A. Sikora, K. Soucek, L. Stas: Curing of epoxy systems at sub-glass transition temperature. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. Roc. 99, c. 6 (2006), pp. 3669-3676. ISSN 0021-8995.
  • Z. Michalec, A. Taufer, M. Kozubkova: Numericka simulace sireni pozarnich zplodin v dulni chodbe. Uhli, rudy, geologicky pruzkum 2005, c. 12, s. 23-25. ISSN 1210-7697.
  • A. Przeczek, P. Dvorsky, P. Konicek: System of Rock Blasting in Boreholes Diameter more than 100 mm as a Rockburst Measure. In Proceedings of the 12th International scientific-technical conference Rockbursts 2004, Ustron, November 21-24, 2005, Central mining institute in Katowice 2005.
  • K. Soucek, L. Stas, Y. Obara, D. Fukahori: X-ray CT observation of failure in coal geo-composites. In: Advances in Geomaterials and structures AGS´06. Proceedings of the First Euromediterranean Symposium on Advances in Geomaterials and Structures. Tunis : Commission universitaire pour le developpment, 2006 - (Darve, F.) pp. 269-274. ISBN 978-9973-61-317-2.
  • K. Soucek, L. Stas, Y. Obara, D. Fukahori: Chemical grouts influence on mechanical properties of coal – Laboratory research, In: Z. Aioutantis, K Komnitsas (eds.): Advanced in Mineral Resources Managment and Enironmental Geotechnology 2006 - AMIREG 2006, Hania, Greece, pp. 523 – 528, ISBN: 960-89228-1-X.
  • K. Soucek, L. Stas, P. Konicek, P. Dvorsky, L. Schellong: Theoretical knowledges and practical experiences with reinforcing of coal seams in Ostrava-Karvina coalfield. In: 12. International Scientific-technical Conference Natural Mining Hazards 2005. Sublevel Mining-Mining Hazards. Katowice : Glowny Instytut gornictwa, 2005. pp. 300-321. ISBN 83-87610-81-X.
  • K. Soucek, L. Stas, R. Snuparek: Reinforcing of the coal by chemical grouts. Prediction, analysis and design in geomechanical applications. Bologna, Patron Editore, 2005 - (G. Barla), pp. 215-222. ISBN 88-555-5812-2. [International Conference on Computer Methods and Advances in Geomechanics/11./. Torino(IT), 19.06.2005-24.06.2005]
  • K. Soucek, L. Stas, J. Simkovicova, I. Kroutilova, L. Matejka: Moznosti vyuziti epoxidovych materialu pro zpevnovani hornin skalniho typu. In: Geotechnika 2004. 9. rocnik medzinarodnej konferencie. Zbornik referatov. Stupava, Orgware, 2004, pp. 67-72. ISBN 80-8073-151-9.
  • K. Soucek, L. Stas, R. Snuparek: Laboratory research of coal geocomposits - some results. Nonferrous Metals Society of China. Transactions. Vol. 15, No. 1 (2005), pp. 271-275. ISSN 1003-6326.
  • K. Soucek, J. Simkovicova, R. Snuparek: Polyuretanove injektazni hmoty a jejich pouziti ke zpevnovani horninoveho masivu v uhelnych dolech. Uhli, rudy, geologicky pruzkum, 50 [6] 4-12 (2002).
  • L. Stas, J. Knejzlik, K. Soucek, Z. Rambousky: Conical strain gauge probe for stress measurement (development), (Z. Aioutantis, K Komnitsas eds.), In Advanced in Mineral Resources Managment and Enironmental Geotechnology 2006 - AMIREG 2006, Hania, Greece, pp. 523 – 528, ISBN: 960-89228-1-X.
  • L. Stas, J. Knejzlik, Z. Rambousky: Conical strain gauge probes for stress measurement. In: P. Konecny (ed.): Eurock 2005. Impact of Human Activity on the Geological Environment. Proceedings. Leiden, A.A.Balkema Publishers, 2005 - pp. 587-592. ISBN 04-1538-042-1.
  • L. Stas, J. Knejzlik, Z. Rambousky: Development of conical probe for stress measurement by borehole overcoring method. Acta geodynamica et geomaterialia. Vol. 1, 4/136/ (2004), pp. 93-98. ISSN 1214-9705.
  • L. Stas, A. Kolcun, J. Simkovicova, K. Soucek: Horizontalni napeti v ceske casti hornoslezske panve. In: Mineral Raw Materials and Mining Activity of the 21st Century. Ostrava, VSB-TU, 2003. pp. 579-585. ISBN 80-248-0492-1.
  • L. Stas, A. Kolcun, J. Simkovicova, K. Soucek: Stress measurement in Carboniferous massif in eastern Czech part of Upper Silesian Basin and numerical model. In: (Myrvoll, F.) Field Measurements in Geomechanics. Lisse, Balkema, 2003 - pp. 361-368. ISBN 90-5809-602-5.
  • R. Snuparek, K. Soucek: Laboratory Testing of Chemical Grouts. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 15 [2] 175-185 (2000).
  • R. Snuparek: Nove typy kotevni vyztuze pri stavbe tunelu. Tunel, 9 [4] 17-22 (2000).
  • R. Snuparek, L. Stas, K. Soucek, V. Zeman, L. Schellong, P. Horyl, P. Janas: Hlavni vysledky reseni Projektu CBU c.34/2003 Opatreni ke zvyseni odolnosti porubnich chodeb a chodeb v predpoli porubu proti deformacnim ucinkum otresu. Uhli, rudy, geologicky pruzkum. Roc. 54, c. 2 (2006), s. 29-33. ISSN 1210-7697.
  • R. Snuparek, K. Soucek: Chemicke stabilizacni injektaze horninoveho masivu. Uhli, rudy, geologicky pruzkum, 48 [6] 14-18 (2000).
  • R. Snuparek, K. Soucek: Polyurethane geocomposites. Mechanical properties and deformation. In: Mine, Water and Environment. International Congress. - (F. Rubio). - Madrid, Intituto Tecnologico Geominero de Espana 1999. - pp. 657-661.
  • R. Snuparek: Geotechnical aspects of an underground interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. In: 5th International Symposium on Tunnel construction and underground structures. Book of Proceedings. - Ljubljana, Naravoslovnotehniska fakulteta 2000. - pp. 11-18.
  • R. Snuparek, P. Horyl: The shape stability of reinforcing steel arch support in shotcrete tunnel lining. In: AITES-ITA 2000 World Tunnel Congress. - (R.G. Stimson, J.L. Stimson eds.). - Johannesburg, South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy 2000. - pp. 471-477. - (Symposium Series. S24).
  • R. Snuparek, P. Konecny: A Heat stress of rocks and support in underground repository of nuclear waste. In: Underground Construction Praha 2000. Proc., Czech Tunneling Committee ITA/AITES 2000. - pp. 35-40.
  • G. Takla, J. Ptacek, J. Holecko, P. Konicek: Stress State Determination and Prediction in Rock Mass with Rockburst Risk in Ostrava-Karvina Coal Basin. In Proceedings of the International Symposium of the International Society for Rock Mechanics, EUROCK 2005, Brno, May 18-20, 2005, A. A. Balkema 2005, pp. 625-628.