Fuzzy system models (FSMs) for analysis of rock mass displacement caused by underground mining in soft rock strata

In this paper, the mathematical theory of fuzzy probability measure (FPMs) is used for the problems of rock mass displacements and deformation due to underground excavation, especially mining in soft rock strata. A fuzzy system model is developed for the movement and deformation of rock mass on the basis of the assumption that the displacement and deformation of rock mass is a fuzzy event, and from this model theoretical formulas are derived for calculating the rock mass displacement due to underground excavation. The theories of both the two and three-dimensional problems are developed and are applied to the analysis of ground movements due to underground mining. The agreement of the theoretical results with the field measurements shows that fuzzy system model is satisfactory and the formulae obtained are valid and thus can be effectively used for predicting the displacements and deformations due to underground mining in soft rock strata and the safety evaluation of the buildings on the ground surface.