Numerical Modelling & Simulation
Simulation and scenario testing to understand ground behaviour, evaluate design performance and support better-informed mining and engineering decisions.
Test engineering scenarios before they are implemented.
Numerical modelling provides insight into how slopes, underground excavations, support systems and mine layouts may respond under different geological, stress and operating conditions.
MLB Consulting develops fit-for-purpose models that reflect the available geological and geotechnical information, project geometry, material behaviour and relevant loading conditions.
The results support comparative analysis, design refinement, risk assessment and more defensible technical decisions.
Modelling Capabilities
Numerical models can be used to investigate individual technical questions or compare multiple design and operating scenarios.
Assessment of slope behaviour, deformation and potential failure development.
Simulation of stress redistribution and excavation response.
Assessment of support demand, capacity and ground-support interaction.
Forecasting of displacement, stress, yielding and deformation.
Comparison and optimisation of mining layouts and extraction sequences.
Numerical analysis across surface and underground mining.
The model type and level of complexity are selected according to the engineering question, available information and required level of confidence.
Slope Stability Analysis
Simulation of slope deformation, stress development, yielding and potential failure behaviour under different geometries and material conditions.
Underground Excavation Behaviour
Assessment of excavation response, stress redistribution, damage development and interaction between adjacent underground workings.
Rock-Support Assessment
Evaluation of ground-support interaction, support demand, system capacity and performance under expected ground conditions.
Ground-Response Forecasting
Forecasting of displacement, deformation, stress change and potential instability as mining or excavation development progresses.
Mine-Layout Optimisation
Comparison of alternative layouts, excavation geometries and extraction sequences to identify improved design options.
Scenario Testing
Comparative assessment of design assumptions, material properties, groundwater conditions, loading cases and operating scenarios.
A structured process from engineering question to recommendation.
Numerical modelling is most valuable when the model has a clearly defined purpose and its assumptions, limitations and uncertainty are properly understood.
MLB Consulting develops models that are appropriate for the available information and the decision that needs to be supported.
Define
Establish the engineering question, modelling objectives and decisions to be supported.
Build
Develop the geometry, material model, boundary conditions and relevant loading sequence.
Verify
Review model behaviour against available observations, measurements and expected response.
Test
Run comparative scenarios and sensitivity studies to evaluate important uncertainties.
Model quality depends on the available information.
The reliability of a numerical model is influenced by the quality of the geological interpretation, material properties, stress conditions, groundwater assumptions, excavation geometry and loading sequence.
Where information is limited, sensitivity analysis can be used to understand how uncertainty may affect the results and resulting design decisions.
Discuss Available DataLithology, weathering, alteration, contacts and geological structure.
Rock-mass, intact rock, discontinuity and soil parameters.
In-situ stress conditions, pore pressures and drainage assumptions.
Slopes, excavations, pillars, stopes, tunnels and development layouts.
Excavation stages, extraction sequence, loading history and support installation.
Clear results for comparative engineering assessment.
Model outputs are interpreted in relation to the engineering question, modelling assumptions and available information.
Displacement Contours
Predicted movement and deformation patterns for slopes, excavations and surrounding ground.
Strength-Factor Plots
Identification of yielding, overstressed zones and areas approaching material strength limits.
Stress Distribution
Evaluation of stress concentration, redistribution and interaction between mine openings.
Sensitivity Studies
Assessment of how changes in key properties and assumptions affect model behaviour.
Comparative Scenarios
Side-by-side assessment of alternative designs, sequences, support systems and operating conditions.
Design Recommendations
Clear interpretation of model findings, limitations and practical recommendations.
Better insight before committing to a design.
Numerical modelling helps clients investigate technical uncertainty, compare alternatives and understand potential design performance before implementation.
Better Decisions
Comparative insight to support clearer and more defensible engineering decisions.
Reduced Uncertainty
Sensitivity analysis focused on important assumptions, limitations and areas of technical risk.
Safer Designs
Improved understanding of potential ground behaviour, instability and support requirements.
Practical Implementation
Results interpreted as clear recommendations that can support project implementation.
Integrated support for modelling and design decisions.
Numerical modelling can be integrated with MLB Consulting’s geotechnical, rock engineering and mine-development services.
Geotechnical Engineering
Investigation, slope stability, underground geotechnics and infrastructure engineering.
Explore ServiceRock Engineering
Excavation stability, ground-support recommendations, design review and risk management.
Explore ServiceMining & Mine Development
Mine design, scheduling, infrastructure planning, ventilation and optimisation.
Explore ServiceNeed to test a mining or geotechnical design scenario?
Contact MLB Consulting to discuss your engineering question, available information, model requirements and the decisions that need to be supported.
“Test the scenario, understand the response and make a better-informed decision.”
MLB Consulting