Comparison of rock spalling evaluation in underground openings: Uncertainty-based mathematical model and empirical method

• Published in: Deep Resources Engineering Vol. 2; no. 2; p. 100171
• Main Authors: Chen, Chao, Yao, Shibin, Zhou, Jian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2025
• Subjects: Graphical user interface; Rock spalling; Spalling coefficient; Unascertained measurement; Spalling coefficient; Rock spalling; Unascertained measurement; Graphical user interface
• ISSN: 2949-9305; 2949-9305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.deepre.2025.100171

Rock spalling, considered an underground geological hazard that usually occurs after excavation in hard rock, threatens the safety of on-site operators and equipment. This study used an objective uncertainty-based model integrating six membership functions to evaluate rock spalling. Meanwhile, a new index, spalling coefficients, as a robust empirical method referring to the rich engineering experience of researchers, was proposed for spalling risk evaluation. Then, 60 groups of the spalling dataset are collected from the literature to validate the performance of the proposed data-driven model and spalling coefficients. The results reveal that the constructed uncertainty model and spalling coefficients method can evaluate the spalling properly from different terms, which can be considered a valuable theoretical tool for underground hazard control and prevention. •Development of a six-membership-function uncertainty-based model for evaluating rock spalling risk.•Introduction of spalling coefficients as a new empirical index for robust risk assessment with 60 spalling datasets.•Effective evaluation of rock spalling’s various aspects for hazard control.•Methods provide practical value for managing geological hazards in hard rock excavation.