Study on a collapse mechanism of a junction between greatly deeper shaft and horizontal drifts (Contract research)

Kurosaki, Yukio*; Yamachi, Hiroshi*; Katsunuma, Yoshio*; Nakata, Masao*; Kuwahara, Hideki*; Yamada, Fumitaka*; Matsushita, Kiyoshi*; Sato, Toshinori*  

A junction space between a super deep shaft and horizontal drifts forms a 3-dimensional geo-structure, which would take a complicated mechanical behavior during a junction excavation. However, a quantitative design method for a deep junction has not yet established. In order to examine a collapse mechanism of super deep shaft junction, we have conducted literature surveys and interview studies concerned with a collapses. Considering the results of investigations with reviews of intellectuals, the collapse mechanism depends on both a construction procedure of shaft junction and a geological condition. On the other hand, where a deep junction intersects faults and/or fractures with a large angle, a collapse called taka-nuke may occur and a numerical studies that can simulate a practical rock mass behavior around a shaft junction should be carry out. We demonstrate finite difference method is most adequate for these simulations with intellectual review.