Expert System for Stability Assessment of Underground Excavations Based on Numerical Modeling and Engineering Rules

• Published in: Applied Sciences
• Main Authors: Aleksandr Tomilov, Alexey Kalinin, Nadezhda Tomilova, Margulan Nurtay, Natalya Mutovina, Kirill Shtefan, Dinara Zhumagulova
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2025-08-01
• Subjects: underground excavation; expert system; rock bolt support; geomechanical modeling; rule-based decision making; numerical simulation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/16/8951

This study presents an expert system for assessing the stability of underground mine workings and automatically selecting rock bolt support schemes. The system integrates physically based calculations of roof compressive strength (Rc) and expected maximum displacement (Um) with rule-based decision logic grounded in engineering practice. Unlike empirical classifications and black-box AI models, the proposed approach ensures interpretable, reproducible, and context-aware engineering decisions. The architecture includes a numerical solver that computes Rc and Um based on excavation geometry, geomechanical properties, and mining conditions. The support scheme is selected using a knowledge base of formalized rules, while the specific support parameters are calculated within the solver. The system was validated across 51 underground excavations, with approximately 85% of its recommendations matching field-proven support solutions, and 12% suggesting reinforced schemes that could have prevented failures. The expert system is suitable for integration into digital mine management platforms and offers a foundation for developing digital twin solutions in geomechanically variable environments.