MineGeotech Platform User Guide
Getting Started with Advanced Mine Geotechnical Analysis
Table of Contents
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:
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
Floor Bearing Capacity
- Estimate ultimate bearing capacity
- Perform probabilistic analysis
- Run Monte Carlo simulations
- Evaluate multi-layer floor systems
Burst & Seismic Analysis
- Coalburst Assessment
- Rockburst Assessment (Beta)
- Far-field Seismicity Transmission
- Near-field Seismicity (Coming soon)
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
-
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. - Sign In Click Login / Sign up button in the top-right corner of the page. Enter your username and password, then click submit to access the platform.
- 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
Sidebar Navigation
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 | Burst & Seismic Analysis, including Coalburst, Rockburst and Far-field Seismicity; Near-field Seismicity is coming soon |
| Results | Access saved calculations. Up to 25 results are automatically saved across all modules, with a warning when storage is almost full or full. |
| 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. When the 25-result limit is reached, calculations can still run but new results will not be saved. Export important results and delete older results to make space for future runs.
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 Burst & Seismic Analysis
Module C contains three available calculators with different purposes. Select the workflow that matches the event being assessed; their inputs and outputs are not interchangeable. A fourth, near-field seismicity workflow is planned.
Coalburst Assessment
Models coal ejection driven by released strain energy and coal-gas energy, with optional bolt-and-mesh support.
Typical inputs
- Excavation and ejected-coal geometry
- Coal density, cleat porosity and Langmuir properties
- Gas pressure, gas content, temperature and released elastic energy
- Optional bolt and mesh properties
Key outputs
- Coal displacement and ejection velocity
- Bolt elongation, bolt force and mesh tension
- Velocity hazard category and support status
Rockburst Assessment
Provides a simplified adaptation of the Coalburst framework for hard-rock ejection using released elastic energy and a reduced input set.
Typical inputs
- Excavation and ejected-rock geometry
- Rock density, fracture porosity and thermal properties
- Released elastic energy
- Optional bolt and mesh properties
Key outputs
- Rock displacement and ejection velocity
- Bolt elongation, bolt force and mesh tension
- Velocity hazard category and bolt status
Far-field Seismicity
Estimates seismic energy transmitted from a distant circular fault-slip source to a spherical ejection target at an excavation.
Typical inputs
- Horizontal distance, elevation difference and fault dip
- Source radius, seismic energy and event duration
- Target radius and P- and S-wave velocities
Key outputs
- Transmitted P-wave and S-wave energy
- Total energy intercepted by the target
- Transferred energy density at the target
Near-field Seismicity
This planned workflow will address seismic sources located close to the excavation, where near-source interaction requires a separate assessment approach.
Current availability
No Near-field Seismicity calculator or input form is currently offered. Use the Far-field workflow only when its source-to-excavation assumptions are appropriate.
Coalburst and Rockburst velocity classification
The following velocity-based classification applies to the Coalburst and Rockburst assessment results, not to the Far-field Seismicity energy-transmission result.
| 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
- Select Your Module Click the appropriate module (A, B, or C) in the home page or sidebar and read the module introduction if unfamiliar.
- 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 .
-
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
- Validate Inputs Check for red error messages, ensure all required fields are filled, and verify units are correct.
- Calculate Click the "Calculate" button and wait for processing (typically 1-30 seconds). Completed results are automatically added to Saved Results while storage space is available.
- 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.
- Export Results Download as Excel (raw data for further analysis). Save images of specific charts.
- 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
Saved-result storage limit
Your account automatically saves up to 25 results across all modules. A warning message appears when your saved-result storage is almost full or has reached the limit. Calculations can still run when storage is full, but further results will not be added to Saved Results.
To keep important work and make room for future results, first export the results you want to retain. Then delete one or more older results from All Saved Results. New calculation results can be saved again after space is available.
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 Manuals: Separate guidance for Coalburst, beta Rockburst and Far-field Seismicity workflows
Technical Support
For technical questions or issues, contact:
Prof. Ismet Canbulat
Mine geomechanics, pillar design, coalburst and rockburst
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:
- Use example data for first calculation
- Read user manual for chosen module
- 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
- Export important results and monitor the 25-result storage limit
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.