Mathews-Potvin Stope Stability Calculator

Hard-Rock Underground Mining: Compute the Modified Stability Number ($N = Q^\prime \times A \times B \times C$), Hydraulic Radius ($HR$), and open stope support requirements.

Stope Geometry & Rock Quality

Stope Surface Length $L$ (m):

Stope Height / Width $W$ (m):

Modified Tunnelling Quality Index $Q^{\prime}$: $Q^{\prime} = (RQD / J_n) \times (J_r / J_a)$

Environmental Adjustment Factors

Rock Stress Ratio $\sigma_c / \sigma_{\text{max}}$:

Joint Orientation Factor $B$:

Stope Surface Orientation (Factor $C$):

Stability Graph Position & Support

Stability Number ($N$)

A: -- | B: -- | C: --

Hydraulic Radius ($HR$)

-- m

Area: -- m² | Perim: -- m

Potvin Stability Zone

Stable (Unsupported)

Support requirements

Max Unsupported Hydraulic Radius

-- m

HR Margin: -- m

Empirical Graph Benchmark:

• Stable Limit Line: $\log_{10}(N) = 1.05 \cdot HR - 0.44$ (Potvin 1988 boundary)

• Cable Bolting Recommendation: Cable bolts required if $HR$ falls in transition zone.

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Mathews-Potvin Stope Stability Calculator

Stope Geometry & Rock Quality

Environmental Adjustment Factors

Stability Graph Position & Support

Frequently Asked Questions