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Using MINEDWto simulate pore pressure as input for FLAC3Dand 3DEC

It has become common practice to create a three-dimensional (3-D) geomechanical model for the analysis of rock stability. One of the key inputs for a geomechanical model is the 3-D pore-pressure distribution. For complicated geologic settings under excavation, such as open pit walls and underground mine workings, pore pressures generally do not follow hydrostatic distributions with depth; therefore, a 3-D groundwater flow model is required to simulate pore-pressure distributions. MINEDW is a groundwater flow model code that was specifically developed to simulate the complicated hydrogeologic conditions related to mining. It is capable of simulating the excavation of open pits and underground workings, and the changing hydraulic conductivity of the displaced rocks surrounding the excavated area. This paper describes the features of MINEDW and how MINEDW can export 3-D pore-pressure distributions to be readily useable in FLAC3D and 3DEC models.

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Houmao, L. (2013). “Using MINEDW to simulate pore pressure as input for FLAC3D and 3DEC,” in Continuum and Distinct Element Numerical Modeling in Geomechanics – 2013. Proceedings of the 3rd International FLAC/DEM Symposium, October 22-24, 2013, Hangzhou, P.R. China, Zhu, Detournay, Hart & Nelson (eds.), Itasca International Inc., Minneapolis, ISBN xxx-x-xxxxxxx-x-x, paper: 10-03.