Regularities of Brittle Fracture Zone Formation in the Zone of Dyke Around Horizontal Mine Workings

Mine development in complex geological conditions is associated with the risk of mine stability loss. Geological features such as dykes are characterized by higher strength and a tendency to undergo brittle fracture under the influence of the tectonic component of stress. In this study, numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the zone of influence of the dyke and the extent of brittle fracture zones on the hanging and footwall sides relative to the dyke. The results indicate that the dyke’s influence zone increases when the dyke is situated in a gentle slope, and the size of the brittle fracture zone depends on the hanging and footwall sides of the rocks, as well as the dip angle of the dyke to 30%. It was observed that the rate of change in the brittle fracture zone varies non-linearly with increasing stress level and then stabilizes once the stress reaches the ultimate strength of the material. Consequently, the design of mine workings requires adjustments in support methods and stability assurance techniques within the dyke’s influence zone.