ABSTRACT
In deep mining activities the major problems are associated with large deformations and overstressing of the rock mass caused by excavations at great depth. Comprehensive investigations of deep mining mechanics are of great interest. Nowadays, as referred in Fig. 1a, coal mines reaches depths between 1200 to 1400 m in some European countries, and more than 3000 m for gold mines in Brazil and South Africa (He 2006a).
