ABSTRACT

The different geomechanical behaviour of salt rock is characterized emphasizing the effects of micro- and macrofracturing. Evidence for the possible influence of progressive crack generation on the mechanical stability of underground cavities and the integrity of the rock is summarized. To study current crack generation in salt rock, acoustic emission measurements are applied. Thus regions of high geomechanical loading can be inferred and monitoring can be performed. Results of acoustic emission measurements in a segment of a salt mine are presented in which anhydrite occurs in the hanging wall above cavities in rock salt.