Summary

This review gives a brief introduction to rock bursts. Definitions and links to literature and consultants are given, and rock burst control and prevention are discussed.

---

INTRODUCTION

Hoek defines a rock burst as "an explosive failure of rock which occurs when very high stress concentrations are induced around underground openings." He notes that the problem is acute in deep level mining in hard, brittle rock.

The InfoMine dictionary gives this definition: "A sudden and often violent breaking of a mass of rock from the walls of a tunnel, mine, or deep quarry, caused by failure of highly stressed rock and the rapid or instantaneous release of accumulated strain energy. It may result in closure of a mine opening, or projection of broken rock into it, accompanied by ground tremors, rockfalls, and air concussions."