ABSTRACT
Storage in mining rooms is an opportunity to dispose brine from the potash production process. For a comprehensive analysis of the complex rock mechanical behaviour of mine fields under the effects of brine storage K+S and IfG develop an innovative investigation and demonstration concept. The proof of feasibility is based on a stepwise procedure (i) the description of brine-induced effects in the mining horizon, the derivation of their mechanical effects and the development of numerical modelling techniques to investigate these effects, (ii) the application of advanced modelling techniques to evaluate a real potential mining field for brine storage and for an acceptable rock mechanical behaviour and (iii) the development of a monitoring concept to observe the predicted rock behaviour. The study gives an overview of this procedure to establish the basis for a safe brine storage process in rooms of potash and salt mines.
