Sill mat evaluation using centrifuge models

Sill mats are structural elements used in cut-and-fill mining of low to moderate width, steeply dipping ore zones in order that ore sill pillars may be mined out. Traditional sill mat design appears to have developed from experience and timber mats are often used to ensure stability. Centrifuge model studies are combined with equilibrium analyses in this paper to provide insight into sill mat behaviour. Physical model testing provides particular insight into potential modes of failure under complex boundary stress or displacement conditions. The results show that sill mat reinforcing might be considered as an alternate to timber mats in cases where plain cemented sill mats would not be expected to be suitable.