The Use of Geomaterials to Restore the Utility Value of Post-Mining Areas

Abstract

Post-mining deformations that occur on the surface pose a significant threat to natural environments and urbanized areas. Preventing the effects of deformation is a significant challenge for specialists in geotechnical and civil engineering. Geomaterials, such as geosynthetics or geopolymers, could minimize the damage that occurs. The first section of the article explores the securing of an area, strengthening the rock mass with geosynthetic materials. We provide descriptions of the properties of these materials and the method surrounding their introduction into the soil. The second section presents the research problem, i.e., we describe the damage caused by underground mining. In the last section, we propose a solution for securing the ground with the use of geogrids and geopolymer injections into the rock mass. The analyses led us to conclude that an area subjected to mining influences may be strengthened by the use of geosynthetic materials. The use of geosynthetics in a mining area is a well-known topic, but the additional use of geopolymers may be innovative. Research is still being conducted on the use of geopolymers to fill post-mining voids, in combination with geosynthetics.