Research on a novel ground pressure control mode of deep mining in a subsea metal mine by physical model test and numerical simulation analysis

Abstract To solve the problems of deep mining safety and ground pressure control in Sanshandao gold mine, a novel ground pressure control mode of deep mining in a subsea metal mine was studied by physical model test and numerical simulation analysis. First, the novel ground pressure control mode was studied by physical model test, the surface deformation characteristics of the physical model were observed by the DIC method, and the deformation and damage characteristics of the rock layer were obtained. Then, the numerical simulation analysis of the novel ground pressure control mode was carried out and verified with the results of the physical model test. Finally, the determined ground pressure control model was verified by engineering. The research results show that the physical model has an obvious disturbance to the surrounding area during the excavation process according to the analysis of the strain monitoring points, and the strain value at the monitoring point was maintained at approximately one ten-thousandth. Meanwhile, the stress change reflected by the strain was consistent with the numerical simulation results, confirming the authenticity of the physical model test results. Additionally, the field industrial test shows that the control mode has a good control effect on the high ground stress in the deep subsea metal mining.