Analysis of the damage influence range generated by underground mining

Mining has negative impact on the natural environment. It is changing all elements of the natural environment. Formation of voids in the rock mass is causing the deforming movements of rock mass and land surface. To forecast the deformations, the developed theoretical solutions are being used. The prognostic calculations are conducted in order to minimize the negative impact of the exploitation and at the same time to maximize the amounts of excavated minerals. It is crucial to determine the exploitation planned range in time and space before starting mining operations. The exploitation range of influence can be considered in various aspects. There can be determined the theoretical range, the damage range as well as the measurable range of influences. In the Paper the damage range of influence is being analyzed. The threshold value of the deformations has been determined by the building engineering experts. On the basis of theoretical considerations the distance from the edge of exploitation has been determined on which the damage influences may occur. The presented solution is based on the Knothe's theory of influences' function. The formulated equations can be used without any specialist software. It is enough to know basic parameters of the designed mining exploitation. The formulas determining the damage range of influences have been supplemented with the errors analysis. This allows to determine the probability of exceeding the deformations' threshold values. The solution has been illustrated with three practical examples.