Scholarly record

BOX-MODEL. A MODELING TOOL FOR WATER MANAGEMENT AT UNDERGROUND MINES AND STRONGLY INHOMOGENEOUS GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS

Michael Eckart, Hans Jurgen Pickel

Abstract

Numerical modeling of water flow has developed to a standard in surface water and groundwater operations. Modeling of water flow in underground mines requires a special approach due to interlinked cavities. The same principle problem occurs in strongly jointed, inhomogeneous groundwater systems, like karst or jointed systems with a statistically well defined structural pattern. The key to simulate hydraulic processes in such environments is the reduction of model-balance-cells, following the requirements of the flow field. Properties of boxes can be determined from readily available mining documentation. By means of standard CAD applications and data processing an excellent multi-purpose data base is created. The theory and simplifications of a box-model are described. The various types of hydraulic connection between boxes are reflected by the conductance (m2/s) which can be calculated from measured parameters. The successful application of box-models is quoted from three mines where ecological requirements demand a sophisticated prognosis of the environmental impact of mine closures. For partial or complete flooding of larger underground mines box-models facilitate compilation of many data and provide an excellent planning tool for alternate scenarios of water management.

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