Determination of volumetric changes from laser scanning at an underground limestone mine

Mining Engineering , 2013, Vol. 65, No. 11, pp. 50-54

Slaker, B.A.; Westman, E.C.; Fahrman, B.P.; Luxbacher, M.

The ability to detect and quantify ground movements in underground mine workings is of the utmost importance to the safety of miners and continuity of operations. Rib sloughage is one of the most common forms of underground deformation. Remote sensing techniques, such as laser scanning, can be used to quantify this rib sloughage, by recording precise, time-lapse point clouds of mine workings. In order to determine sloughage volumes and locations, two sets of laser scans were performed 42 days apart at a working section of an underground limestone mine. During this period, significant sloughing and scaling occurred, allowing for differentiation between the initial and final point clouds. Volumetric changes of 2.3-2.6 m³ were detected on rib faces during the time-lapse study. In addition, displacement in the mine roof was, as expected, not detected, suggesting well surveyed scans and an appropriate scan resolution.