• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2020

This paper presents an investigation of the ground response of a gob-side gateroad suffering mining stress induced by a 21 m-thick coal seam extraction. A field observation, including entry convergence and stress changes monitoring, was first conducted in the tailgate 8209. The observation results of entry convergence showed that, during the adjacent panel 8210 retreating period, the deformation of the gob-side gateroad experienced a continuous increase stage, subsequently, an accelerating increase stage, and finally, a slow increase stage. However, strong ground response, including roof bending deflection, rib extrusion and floor heave, occurred during the current panel 8209 retreating period, and the maximum floor heave reached 1530 mm. The stress changes within coal mass of the two ribs demonstrated that the gateroad was always located in the stress concentrated area, which responsible for the strong response of the tailgate 8209. Subsequently, a hydraulic fracture technique was proposed to pre-fracture the two hard roofs above the tailgate 8209, thus decreasing the induced disturbance on the tailgate. The validity of the above roof treatment was verified via field application. The finding of this study could be a reference for understanding the stability control of the gob-side gateroad in extra thick coal seams mining.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.427-440
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• 2024

This study concentrates on the 301 comprehensive caving working face, notable for its considerable mining height. The roof model is established by integrating prior geological data and the latest borehole rock stratum's physical and mechanical parameters. This comprehensive approach enables the determination of lithology, thickness, and mechanical properties of the roof within 50 m of the primary mining coal seam. Utilizing the transfer rock beam theory and incorporating mining pressure monitoring data, the study delves into the geometric parameters of the direct roof, basic roof movement, and roof pressure during the initial mining process of the 301 comprehensive caving working face. The direct roof of the mining working face is stratified into upper and lower sections. The lower direct roof consists of 6.0 m thick coarse sandstone, while the upper direct roof comprises 9.2 m coarse sandstone, 2.6 m sandy mudstone, and 2.8 m medium sandstone. The basic roof stratum, totaling 22.1 m in thickness, includes layers such as silty sand, medium sandstone, sandy mudstone, and coal. The first pressure step of the basic roof is 61.6 m, with theoretical research indicating a maximum roof pressure of 1.62 MPa during periodic pressure. Extensive simulations and analyses of roof subsidence and advanced abutment pressure under varying working face lengths. Optimal roof control effect is observed when the mining face length falls within the range of 140 m-155 m. This study holds significance as it optimizes the working face length in thick coal seams, enhancing safety and efficiency in coal mining operations.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.555-563
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• 2024

The reasonable setting of coal pillar width plays a key role in guaranteeing the steadiness of surrounding rock of fully mechanized caving gateroad driving along the next goaf. Based on the engineering background of the Bayangaole mine, the discrete element method was used to simulate the fracture evolution of coal pillars with different pillar widths. The results show that the damage rate of the coal pillar increases with the decrease in the width of the coal pillar. Once the coal pillar width is smaller than 6 m, cracks run through the coal pillar, and the coal pillar is completely damaged. In the middle of the coal pillar, which has a width of 6 m and above, there is a relatively complete area with low damage. The results show that the pillar width of 6 m is the most appropriate. Field tests prove that the reserved width of a 6 m small coal pillar can effectively control the surrounding rock deformation, ensuring the overall steadiness of the gateroad in the thick coal seam. It is hoped that this study will offer some reference for the determination of the reasonable size of the coal pillar.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Seismic reflection surveying is one of the most widely used and effective techniques for coal seam structure delineation and risk mitigation for underground longwall mining. However, the ability of the method can be compromised by the presence of volcanic cover. This problem arises within parts of the Bowen and Sydney Basins of Australia and seismic surveying can be unsuccessful. As a consequence, such areas are less attractive for coal mining. Techniques to improve the success of seismic surveying over basalt flows are needed. In this paper, we use elastic wave-equation-based forward modelling techniques to investigate the effects and characteristics of seismic wave propagation under different settings involving changes in basalt properties, its thickness, lateral extent, relative position to the shot position and various forms of inhomogeneity. The modelling results suggests that: 1) basalts with high impedance contrasts and multiple flows generate strong multiples and weak reflectors; 2) thin basalts have less effect than thick basalts; 3) partial basalt cover has less effect than full basalt cover; 4) low frequency seismic waves (especially at large offsets) have better penetration through the basalt than high frequency waves; and 5) the deeper the coal seams are below basalts of limited extent, the less influence the basalts will have on the wave propagation. In addition to providing insights into the issues that arise when seismic surveying under basalts, these observations suggest that careful management of seismic noise and the acquisition of long-offset seismic data with low-frequency geophones have the potential to improve the seismic results.