MineGeotech Platform User Guide

Getting Started with Advanced Mine Geotechnical Analysis

1. Introduction

What is MineGeotech?

MineGeotech is a web-based platform for mine geotechnical analysis. It provides fast, engineering-grade tools to support design decisions.

MineGeotech offers three specialised modules:

Module A

Pillar System Design

  • Analyse pillar stability and spalling behaviour
  • Run Monte Carlo simulations to estimate failure probabilities
  • Compute the overall failure probability of the pillar–roof–floor system
  • Optimise pillar dimensions
Module B

Floor Bearing Capacity

  • Estimate ultimate bearing capacity
  • Perform probabilistic analysis
  • Run Monte Carlo simulations
  • Evaluate multi-layer floor systems
Module C

Coalburst & Ground Support

  • Predict ejection velocity
  • Analyse energy sources
  • Design ground-support systems
  • Assess hazard categories

Who Should Use This Platform?

Mining/Civil/Geotechnical Engineers

Design and plan underground mining operations with confidence

Geotechnical Consultants

Assess underground mine stability with advanced tools

Mine Safety Personnel

Evaluate hazards and establish safety protocols

Researchers & Students

Study rock mechanics and mine geomechanics

2. Accessing the Platform

First-Time Login

  1. Navigate to the Platform Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge recommended) and go to the MineGeotech URL: https://www.mine-geotech.com.
  2. Sign In Click Sign in button in the top-right corner of the page. Enter your username and password, then click submit to access the platform.
  3. Verify Access Once logged in, all modules are available. Your session will remain active until you log out or close your browser.

Important

User authentication is required to access all calculation features. Results are saved to your session and will be cleared when you log out.

Logging Out

When you're finished:

  • Click the Logout button in the top-right corner
  • This clears your session data and secures your account
  • Remember to download any results you need before logging out

3. Understanding the Interface

The left sidebar is your primary navigation tool:

Section Description
Home Returns you to the welcome page
Module A Pillar Spalling Analysis (single- and multiple-case analysis)
Module B Floor Bearing Capacity (standard and sensitivity analysis )
Module C Coalburst and Ground Support (single- and multiple-case analysis)
Results Access calculations (becomes active after running analyses)
User Manuals Detailed technical documentation for each module

Tip

Results sections are grayed out until you run your first calculation. They become active automatically once you complete an analysis.

4. Module Overview

Module A Pillar System Design

Purpose

Ensure long-term pillar stability by analysing spalling failure mechanisms considering weak floor and roof strata interactions.

Key Features

  • Interactive 3D visualization of stress distributions
  • Single pillar analysis with detailed parametric studies
  • Processing for multiple pillar scenarios
  • Consideration of weak floor/roof failure mechanisms
  • Advanced probability analysis using Monte Carlo simulation

Typical Applications

Pillar Design

Design pillars for long-term stability

Existing Systems

Assess existing pillar systems for safety compliance

Dimension Optimisation

Optimise pillar dimensions in weak rock conditions

Risk Analysis

Perform risk analysis for subsidence-sensitive areas

Input Parameters

  • Mining depth and geometry
  • Pillar dimensions (width, height, length)
  • Rock strength properties (UCS, elastic modulus, cohesion, friction angle)
  • Floor and roof properties are optional; enter them only if these elements are included in the analysis

Outputs

  • Probability of failure
  • Factor of safety
  • Final pillar dimensions
  • Risk categories

Module B Floor Bearing Capacity

Purpose

Calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of weak floor strata to prevent floor heave and maintain roadway stability.

Three Analysis Methods

Method Type Best For Computation
Standard Analysis Deterministic Preliminary design, quick calculations Instant
Point Estimate Probabilistic (4 or 8 point estimate) Parameter variability consideration Fast
Monte Carlo Statistical (10,000+ sims) Critical designs, risk analysis Comprehensive

Key Features

  • Multi-layer floor system modeling
  • Various weak rock types
  • CSV data import for various sensitivity analysis
  • Statistical distribution analysis

Typical Applications

  • Roadway floor stability assessment
  • Foundation design for underground equipment
  • Floor heave prediction
  • Risk-based design decisions

Input Parameters

  • Layer properties (thickness, unit weight, room and pillar layout geometry)
  • Weak rock mass properties
  • Groundwater conditions

Outputs

  • Ultimate bearing capacity
  • Allowable bearing capacity with safety factors
  • Probability distributions (Monte Carlo)
  • Statistical summaries

Module C Coal Burst & Ground Support

Purpose

Predict ejection velocities during dynamic rock failures (coal bursts) and design effective ground support systems to protect workers and infrastructure.

Advanced Modeling Approach

This module uses a time-based coupled analytical model that considers:

Strain Energy Release

Energy stored in stressed coal/rock masses, released during sudden failure

Gas Expansion Energy

Free gas pressure and adsorbed gas desorption during burst events

Seismic Energy

Energy from fault-slip events transmitted through rock mass

Support Interaction

Rockbolt, mesh, and strap performance under dynamic loading

Key Features

  • Time-stepping numerical simulation
  • Fickian diffusion modeling for gas desorption
  • Support system optimisation
  • Hazard classification system
  • Exclusion zone calculations
  • Coupled bolt-mesh-strap analysis

Typical Applications

  • Coal burst risk assessment
  • Ground support design for burst-prone areas
  • Evaluation of existing support systems
  • Safety zone establishment
  • Incident investigation and prevention

Input Parameters

  • Mining depth and geometry
  • Coal properties (cleat porosity, particle size)
  • Gas content (free and adsorbed)
  • Strain energy values (from numerical modeling)
  • Seismic event parameters (if applicable)
  • Support specifications (bolt capacity, mesh strength, spacing)

Outputs

  • Ejection velocity predictions (m/s)
  • Kinetic energy released
  • Support system performance (bolt elongation, mesh tension)
  • Hazard classification (Low/Moderate/High/Severe)
  • Safety exclusion distances
  • Support design recommendations

Hazard Classification

Ejection Velocity Impact Level
< 3 m/s Low impact
< 7 m/s Moderate impact
< 11 m/s High impact
> 11 m/s Severe impact

5. Getting Started with Calculations

General Workflow

  1. Select Your Module Click the appropriate module (A, B, or C) in the home page or sidebar and read the module introduction if unfamiliar.
  2. Understand Input Requirements Review parameter definitions, check units (clearly marked in labels), and note typical value ranges. Explanations of the parameters can be found in .
  3. Enter Data
    • New users: Click "Example" button to load sample data
    • Experienced users: Enter your site-specific parameters
    • Multiple cases processing: Download CSV template and upload your data
  4. Validate Inputs Check for red error messages, ensure all required fields are filled, and verify units are correct.
  5. Calculate Click "Calculate" button and wait for processing (typically 1-30 seconds). Results automatically save to your session.
  6. Review Results Go to the Results section in the sidebar to examine tables and charts, and compare them with your design criteria. Your inputs are retained on the Inputs page, so you can switch between Inputs and Results to adjust values for parametric studies.
  7. Export Results Download as Excel (raw data for further analysis). Save images of specific charts.
  8. Iterate if Needed Use "Reset" button to clear inputs, modify parameters and recalculate.

Tips for Success

Data Preparation

  • Gather all required parameters before starting
  • Use consistent units throughout
  • Document data sources for traceability

Using Example Data

  • Excellent for learning the interface
  • Shows expected value ranges
  • Helps understand output formats

CSV Import (Modules A, B and C)

  • Always download the template first
  • Match column/row headers exactly
  • Use consistent decimal separators
  • Check file encoding (UTF-8 recommended)

Result Interpretation

  • Read the accompanying explanations
  • Compare calculated safety factors to industry standards
  • Consider uncertainty in input parameters
  • Consult user manuals for detailed methodology

Session Management

Results persist during your logged-in session but are cleared when you log out. Always download important results before ending your session.

6. Support and Resources

User Manuals

Detailed technical documentation is available in the sidebar:

  • Module A Manual: Pillar design methodology, equations, validation cases
  • Module B Manual: Bearing capacity theories, calculation procedures, examples
  • Module C Manual: Coal burst mechanics, model assumptions, design guidelines

Technical Support

For technical questions or issues, contact:

Prof. Ismet Canbulat

i.canbulat@unsw.edu.au

Mine geomechanics, pillar design, coal burst

Dr. Min Gao

min.gao1@unsw.edu.au

Software development, numerical modeling

Academic References

This platform is based on published research:

Watson, J., Canbulat, I., Wei, C., and Gao, M. (2024). "Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Weak Foundations under Coal Pillars." Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-024-03999-z

Watson, J., Canbulat, I., Zhang, C., & Wei, C. (2025). "Energies Within Rock Mass and the Associated Dynamic Rock Failures." Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-024-04368-6

Additional references available in user manuals.

Training Recommendations

For New Users:

  1. Use example data for first calculation
  2. Read user manual for chosen module
  3. Progress to more advanced modules

For Experienced Users:

  • Review module-specific user manuals for calculation methodology
  • Validate against hand calculations or other software
  • Contribute feedback for platform improvement

Quick Reference Checklist

Before You Start

  • Login with credentials
  • Identify which module you need
  • Gather required input data
  • Review relevant user manual

During Calculation

  • Use example data if learning
  • Check units for all inputs
  • Validate parameter ranges
  • Save results before logging out

Common Issues

  • Results not appearing: Check login status
  • Calculation errors: Verify input ranges
  • CSV upload fails: Match template format
  • Charts not loading: Clear cache and refresh

Browser Requirements

Chrome 90+

Recommended

Firefox 88+

Supported

Safari 14+

Supported

Edge 90+

Supported

JavaScript must be enabled

Document Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: January 2025 | Platform Version: MineGeotech v1.0

For the latest documentation, visit the User Manuals section within the platform.