Safety research
Safety problems connected with mining and underground constructions were object of the research activities of the Institute from the beginning of its founding. Stability of underground openings, protection against their sudden collapse (roof cavings, floor breakings, etc.), rock bursts and mining ventilation and conditioning in big depths represented very important research topics.
At present, the safety research is focused not only on mining, but also on human activities in Earth crust generally. The research has an interdisciplinary character. Problems of underground openings stability, rockbursts, slope stability, optimization of ventilation, mining subsidence, etc. are solved usually using mathematical modelling. The input parameters are defined with the assistance of geological, geomechanical and geophysical research. In-situ monitoring of behaviour of rock mass influenced by human activity represents an integral part of the research as well as the development of research methods for solving of related problems.
Recently, the solution of most safety problems is demanded by the Czech Mining Authority. Therefore, it is financially supported by funds from its research and development budget in addition to academic funds. The results have not only the character of new scientific knowledge connected with induced processes in the rock mass, but they are also used directly in practise by authorized enterprises and in the legal activities of the Czech Mining Authority when creating new legal regulations.