Application of the CRITIC method to weighting of risk-prone geomechanical parameters

This study aims to introduce a new way of weighting geomechanical parameters that pose a risk to the stability of underground openings. Understanding and managing geomechanical risks play a vital role in the design and safety of underground structures. The creation of effective methods for assessing such risks is crucial, given the large degree of uncertainty present in geomechanical data. Therefore, the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria (CRITIC) method was first used as a strategy for objectively weighting geomechanical parameters. Field data from the Ridder-Sokolny mine in Kazakhstan were used to demonstrate the method. Results showed that the internal friction angle and Rock Mass Rating (RMR) are the most influential parameters, together accounting for 40% of the total weight. This research demonstrates that the proposed method offers a replicable, data-driven approach for geomechanical risk assessment, serving as a reliable weighting strategy for underground mining, and can be integrated into design procedures without expert input, supporting its broader adoption in practice.