Dynamic Behaviour of Abandoned Underground Mines: Insights from Numerical Simulations

Abstract The Apulian region (south-east of Italy) is characterized by the presence old underground cavities used for extraction soft calcarenite rocks and then abandoned over time. assessment stability these caves represents a challenging problem, especially areas possible interaction with overlying structures infrastructures. role environmental factors in triggering disruption processes cave has been extensively studied literature, but instability effect related to dynamic loads often underestimated. Consequently, purpose present work propose some advancements this field evaluating effects loads, consistent regional seismicity, on cavities. A large number two-dimensional parametric finite element analyses carried out ideal cases single rectangular study allowed detect appreciable caused input, depending cavity width, thickness roof, energy content input. between twin under conditions also from numerical point view. results show that plastic failure septum reached earlier than static it again dependent width roof thickness. Lastly, procedure calculate factor safety against either shear or tensile mechanisms proposed, which allows quantify change conditions.