The constitutive equation Norton Power Law, using one and two components (Norton, 1929) and an equation proposed by Pinto (1995) to represent the mechanical behavior of Boulby Potash Mine evaporites were used to simulate the closure of an experimental panel excavated at Taquarí-Vassouras Mine. The results obtained with the Norton Power law showed the linear characteristic of the deformation computed by this equation. Therefore, such equations are not able to represent the transient (primary) creep or the time hardening effect. The Bayle-Norton constitutive law, used by Quinteiro (1992), overcomes this problem. Unfortunately, the time term (t), used explicit in its formulation, does not allow it to be used in practical mining situations. The equation proposed by Pinto (1995) led to results considered very satisfactory in the simulation carried out. An analysis of this equation demonstrates its capability of simulating, both, the transient (primary) and the steady-state (secondary) creep.
Creeping; evaporites mining; constitutive laws
