First results from an experimental study of the static behaviour of underground marble quarries

The underground exploitation of ornamental stone, particularly when exploited with mechanized techniques creates large voids in a relatively short time. This involves a localized relatively quick intensification of the stress state of the exploited rock mass Consequentely the stress-strain state of the abandoned support elements of the exploited underground chamber vary with the progress of the exploitation. This implies The computation of the rock mass behavior needs a continuous monitoring along with the computation of the deformation and stress fields. The qualification of the overall rock mass, furthermore the explicit characterisation of dominant rock joints must be taken into consideration so that the effect of the exploitation on the permanent voids and on the natural supporting structures can be property considered.