| The impact of geological structures on the stability of underground infrastructures is well recognised. Moreover, the influence of major geological structures such as faults, becomes critical when they threaten the stability of underground infrastructures which are essential for mine production.; The X41 shaft is the main access to the Copper Mine at Mount Isa, Australia. Since the early nineties cracking has been observed in the concrete shaft liner. In addition, the shaft steel structure is being deformed and needs regular and meticulous maintenance. This shaft degradation has been attributed to the presence of two major geological structures, the W41 and W42 faults, which intersect the shaft at two locations.; This thesis presents a case study whereby the causes of shaft degradation were examined. In particular, it investigates the influence of two major faults intersecting the main mine shaft. The influence of faulting and mining sequence were investigated by means of field investigations and numerical modelling. |
