Non-parametric Seismic Hazard in Mines

— Seismic hazard analysis methods in mines are reviewed for the purpose of selecting the best technique. To achieve this goal, the most often-used hazard analysis procedure, which is based on the classical frequency-magnitude Gutenberg-Richter relation, as well as alternative procedures are investigated.¶Since the maximum regional seismic event magnitude m _max is of paramount importance in seismic hazard analysis, this work provides a generic formula for the evaluation of this important parameter. The formula is capable of generating solutions in different forms, depending on the assumptions of the model of the magnitude distribution and/or the available information regarding past seismicity. It includes the cases (i) in which seismic event magnitudes are distributed according to the truncated frequency-magnitude Gutenberg-Richter relation, and (ii) in which no specific model of the magnitude distribution is assumed.¶Both synthetic, Monte-Carlo simulated seismic event catalogues, and actual data from the copper mine in Poland and gold mine in South Africa, are used to demonstrate the discussed hazard analysis techniques.¶Our studies show that the non-parametric technique, which is independent of the assumed model of the distribution of magnitude, provides an appropriate tool for seismic hazard assessment in mines where the magnitude distribution can be very complex.