Shear strain energy is a pivotal physical quantity in the occurrence of earthquakes and rockbursts during deep mining operations.This research is focused on understanding the changes in shear strain energy in the cont...Shear strain energy is a pivotal physical quantity in the occurrence of earthquakes and rockbursts during deep mining operations.This research is focused on understanding the changes in shear strain energy in the context of retreating longwall mining,which is essential for the optimized design and mitigation of rockbursts and seismic events.Through the application of innovative analytical models,this study expands its analytical range to include the variations in shear strain energy caused by fault coseismic slip.An integrated methodology is utilized,taking into account the changes in coseismic and fault friction parameters as well as enhancements in mining-induced stress and existing background stresses.Our numerical investigation highlights the significance of mining location and fault characteristics as key determinants of shear strain energy modifications.The analysis demonstrates significant spatial variability in shear strain energy,especially noting that fault slip near the mining face greatly increases the likelihood of rockburst.This finding emphasizes the need to integrate fault coseismic slip dynamics into the triggering factors of rock(coal)bursts,thus broadening the theoretical foundation for addressing geological hazards in deep mining operations.The results are further corroborated by observational data from the vicinity of the F16 fault zone,introducing the concept of mining-induced fault coseismic slip as an essential element in the theoretical framework for understanding rockburst triggers.展开更多
To address issues such as inefficient top-coal drawing,challenges in simultaneously mining and drawing,and the need for intelligent control in extra-thick coal seams,this study examines the principles of top-coal draw...To address issues such as inefficient top-coal drawing,challenges in simultaneously mining and drawing,and the need for intelligent control in extra-thick coal seams,this study examines the principles of top-coal drawing and explores automation and intelligent equipment solutions within the framework of the group coal drawing method.Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the impact of the Number of Drawing Openings(NDO)and rounds on top-coal recovery,coal draw-ing efficiency,and Top Coal Loss(TCL)mechanism.Subsequently,considering the recovery and coal drawing efficiency and by introducing the instantaneous gangue content and cumulative gangue content in simulations,the top-coal recovery,gangue content,and coal loss distribution when considering excessive coal drawing were analyzed.This established a foun-dation for determining the optimal NDO and shutdown timing.Finally,the key technical principle and automated control of a shock vibration and hyperspectral fusion recognition device were detailed,and an intelligent coal drawing control method based on this technology was developed.This technology enabled the precise control of the instantaneous gangue content(35%)during coal drawing.The top-coal recovery at the Tashan Mine 8222 working face increased by 14.78%,and the gangue content was controlled at~9%,consistent with the numerical simulation results.Thus,the reliability of the numerical simulation results was confirmed to a certain extent.Meanwhile,the single-group drawing method significantly enhanced the production capacity of the 8222 working face,achieving an annual output of 15 million tons.展开更多
The fracture and migration patterns of direct roofs play a critical role in excavation stability and mining pressure.However,current methods fail to capture the irregular three-dimensional(3D)behavior of these roofs.I...The fracture and migration patterns of direct roofs play a critical role in excavation stability and mining pressure.However,current methods fail to capture the irregular three-dimensional(3D)behavior of these roofs.In this study,the problem was solved by introducing an innovative 2.5-dimensional(2.5D)Voronoi numerical simulation method,dividing rock layers into 2.5D Voronoi blocks and developing cohesive element-based failure models,supported by a strain-softening HoekeBrown model.The method was applied to the 8311 working face in the Taishan Mine in China,and its accuracy was confirmed through physical experiments.The following conclusions were drawn.The first roof break typically followed an"O-X"pattern.The direct roof did not break randomly over time;instead,it followed three distinct scenarios:(1)A complete break of the direct roof occurred,followed by a sequential collapse(ScenarioⅠ).(2)Regional irregular stacking in one area was followed by sequential collapse in other zones(ScenarioⅡ).(3)The staged breakdown of the direct roof led to separate and sequential collapses on the left and right flanks(ScenarioⅢ).Scenario I was quite common during the 400 m advance of the working face and occurred five times.The fracture characteristics in Scenario I led to widespread pressure on the hydraulic supports in the middle of the working face.Finally,the direct roof from the working face towards the goaf area underwent phases of overhanging,hinging,and collapsing plates.After the first and periodic breaks,the basic roof formed stable hinged plate structures reinforced by overhanging plates and irregular accumulations of the direct roof.展开更多
Acoupled biharmonic spline and linear interpolation algorithm was proposed to create a three-dimensional smooth deposit model with minimal curvature containing grade and position data. To obtain the optimal technical ...Acoupled biharmonic spline and linear interpolation algorithm was proposed to create a three-dimensional smooth deposit model with minimal curvature containing grade and position data. To obtain the optimal technical parameters, such as cuttingheight and drum diameter, a virtual longwall mining procedure was modelled by simulating the actual fully mechanized longwall mining process. Based on the above work, a bauxite deposit in a longwall mining panel was modelled by scattered grade data from ores sampled on the entry wall. The deposit was then demarcated by industrial indexes and sliced according to the virtual longwallmining procedure. The results show that the proposed interpolation algorithm can depict the stratiform structure of bauxite depositsand that the uncovered bauxite deposit has high proportions of high-grade and rich ore. The ranges of optimal cutting height and drum diameters are 1.72-2.84 m and 1.42-1.72 m, respectively. Finally, an intellectualized longwall mining procedure was designed to guide the mining process with the lowest dilution and loss rates.展开更多
It is very difficult to reasonably evaluate the loads acting on coal pillars in longwall panels during the planning of a new pillar system. The application of empirical equations is a common practice in calculating co...It is very difficult to reasonably evaluate the loads acting on coal pillars in longwall panels during the planning of a new pillar system. The application of empirical equations is a common practice in calculating coal pillar loads while designing a new pillar. This paper proposes numerical models for evaluating coal pillar loads. The key of building a successful numerical model for calculating coal pillar loads lies in the fact that the model should represent the redistribution of stress all over the longwall panels and the surrounding areas, and it is especially important to include the characteristics of the stress rebuilding process in the gob areas, which are crucial for the building process of coal pillar loads. Based on the geo-mechanical background of the Baoshan Coal Mine, this paper details the procedures of applying numerical models to the evaluation of coal pillar loads and their local practices. The study results show it is feasible and reasonable to use numerical models to evaluate coal pillar loads.展开更多
This paper explores the ongoing development and implementation of longwall automation technology to achieve greater levels of underground coal mining performance. The primary driver behind the research and development...This paper explores the ongoing development and implementation of longwall automation technology to achieve greater levels of underground coal mining performance. The primary driver behind the research and development effort is to increase the safety, productivity and efficiency of longwall mining operations to enhance the underlying mining business. A brief review of major longwall automation challenges is given followed by a review of the insights and benefits associated with the LASC longwall shearer automation solution. Areas of technical challenge in sensing, decision support, autonomy and human interaction are then highlighted, with specific attention given to remote operating centres, proximity detection and systems-level architectures in order to motivate further automation system development.The vision for a fully integrated coal mining ecosystem is discussed with the goal of delivering a highperformance, zero-exposure and environmentally coherent mining operations.展开更多
Rockburst represents a very dangerous phenomenon in deep underground mining in unfavourable conditions such as great depth, high horizontal stress, proximity of important tectonic structures, and unmined pillars. The ...Rockburst represents a very dangerous phenomenon in deep underground mining in unfavourable conditions such as great depth, high horizontal stress, proximity of important tectonic structures, and unmined pillars. The case study describes a recorded heavy rockburst in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, which occurred during longwall mining near the protective pillar. The artificial dividing of geological blocks and creation of mining protective pillars(shaft pillars, crosscut pillars etc.) is a dangerous task in light of rockbursts occurring mainly due to overstressing of remaining pillars. A simple model of this situation is presented. Natural and mining conditions are analysed and presented in detail as well as registered seismicity during longwall mining in the area. Recorded rockbursts in the area of interest are described and their causes discussed. Many rockbursts near protective pillars were recorded in this mining region. Methodical instructions for rockburst prevention in proximity of protective pillars as well as for gates driving were devised based on the evaluation of rockburst causes. The paper presents these principles for prevention.展开更多
Surface subsidence is a typical ground movement due to longwall mining, which causes a series of environmental problems and hazards. In China, intensive coal extractions are commonly operated under dense-populated coa...Surface subsidence is a typical ground movement due to longwall mining, which causes a series of environmental problems and hazards. In China, intensive coal extractions are commonly operated under dense-populated coalfields, which exacerbates the negative subsequences resulted from surface settlement. Therefore, effective approaches to control the ground subsidence are in urgent need for the Chinese coal mining industry. This paper presents a newly developed subsidence control technology: isolated overburden grout injection, including the theory, technique and applications. Relevant procedures such as injection system design, grouting material selection, borehole layout, grout take estimation and injection process design are proposed. The applicability of this technology has been demonstrated through physical modelling, field measurements, and case studies. Since 2009, the technology has been successfully applied to 14 longwall areas in 9 Chinese coal mines. The ultimate surface subsidence factors vary from 0.10 to 0.15. This method has a great potential to be popularized and performed where longwall mining are implemented under villages and ground infrastructures.展开更多
Effective surrounding rock control is a prerequisite for realizing safe mining in underground coal mines.In the past three decades, longwall top-coal caving mining(LTCC) and single pass large height longwall mining(SP...Effective surrounding rock control is a prerequisite for realizing safe mining in underground coal mines.In the past three decades, longwall top-coal caving mining(LTCC) and single pass large height longwall mining(SPLL) found expanded usage in extracting thick coal seams in China. The two mining methods lead to large void space left behind the working face, which increases the difficulty in ground control.Longwall face failure is a common problem in both LTCC and SPLL mining. Such failure is conventionally attributed to low strength and high fracture intensity of the coal seam. However, the stiffness of main components included in the surrounding rock system also greatly influences longwall face stability.Correspondingly, surrounding rock system is developed for LTCC and SPLL faces in this paper. The conditions for simultaneous balance of roof structure and longwall face are put forward by taking the stiffness of coal seam, roof strata and hydraulic support into account. The safety factor of the longwall face is defined as the ratio between the ultimate bearing capacity and actual load imposed on the coal wall.The influences provided by coal strength, coal stiffness, roof stiffness, and hydraulic support stiffness,as well as the movement of roof structure are analyzed. Finally, the key elements dominating longwall face stability are identified for improving surrounding rock control effectiveness in LTCC and SPLL faces.展开更多
This paper reviews the development of U.S. longwall mining from an unknown to became the world standard in the past five decades with emphasis on automation. Large scale longwall face equipment were imported from Germ...This paper reviews the development of U.S. longwall mining from an unknown to became the world standard in the past five decades with emphasis on automation. Large scale longwall face equipment were imported from Germany and United Kingdom to increase production in the 1970 s and great effort was made to improve them to suit U.S. conditions, rather than domestic market. Automation began with the development of electrohydraulic shields in 1984 and continue to present. Introduction of first generation semi-automated longwall system occurred in 1995 and step-to-step improvement continues to present following the development of sensor technology and internet of things(IOT). Since then, emphasis on new development has been concentrated on the improvement of equipment reliability, miner's health and safety as well as production, including dust control techniques, proximity sensor, anti-collision and remote control. Automation is classified into two categories: automation of individual face equipment and automation of longwall system. The automation development of longwall system is divided into three stages: shearer-initiated-shield-advance(SISA), semi-automated longwall system, and remote control shearer.展开更多
Coal bursts involve the sudden, violent ejection of coal or rock into the mine workings. They are a particular hazard because they typically occur without warning. During the past 2 years three US coal miners were kil...Coal bursts involve the sudden, violent ejection of coal or rock into the mine workings. They are a particular hazard because they typically occur without warning. During the past 2 years three US coal miners were killed in two coal bursts, following a 6-year period during which there were zero burst fatalities. This paper puts the US experience in the context of worldwide research into coal bursts. It focuses on two major longwall mining coalfields which have struggled with bursts for decades. The Utah experience displays many of the "classic" burst characteristics, including deep cover, strong roof and floor rock, and a direct association between bursts and mining activity. In Colorado, the longwalls of the North Fork Valley (NFV) also work at great depth, but their roof and floor strengths are moderate, and most bursts have occurred during entry development or in headgates, bleeders, or other outby locations. The NFV bursts also are more likely to be associated with geologic structures and large magnitude seismic events. The paper provides a detailed case history to illustrate the experience in each of these coalfields. The paper closes with a brief discussion of how US longwalls have managed the burst risk.展开更多
Roof falls in longwall headgate can occur when weak roof and high horizontal stress are present. To prevent roof falls in the headgate under high horizontal stress, it is important to understand the ground response to...Roof falls in longwall headgate can occur when weak roof and high horizontal stress are present. To prevent roof falls in the headgate under high horizontal stress, it is important to understand the ground response to high horizontal stress in the longwall headgate and the requirements for supplemental roof support. In this study, a longwall headgate under high horizontal stress was instrumented to monitor stress change in the pillars, deformations in the roof, and load in the cable bolts. The conditions in the headgate were monitored for about six months as the longwall face passed by the instrumented site.The roof behavior in the headgate near the face was carefully observed during longwall retreat.Numerical modeling was performed to correlate the modeling results with underground observation and instrumentation data and to quantify the effect of high horizontal stress on roof stability in the longwall headgate. This paper discusses roof support requirements in the longwall headgate under high horizontal stress in regard to the pattern of supplemental cable bolts and the critical locations where additional supplemental support is necessary.展开更多
Longwall Top Coal Caving has been considered as one of the most effective technologies for the extraction of underground thick coal seams. A large number of studies on the applicability of Longwall Top Coal Caving int...Longwall Top Coal Caving has been considered as one of the most effective technologies for the extraction of underground thick coal seams. A large number of studies on the applicability of Longwall Top Coal Caving into new mine sites have linked the success of its application to the geo mechanical understanding of the cavability of the top coal. The paper aims to improve the knowledge of the top coal cavability evaluation. A range of parameters that affect the top coal cavability were first identified. Afterward, a number of cavability assessment methods and classifications were reviewed. The result is important in that it assists researchers in developing an advanced and reliable tool for the top coal cavability evaluation.展开更多
In recent years,field trials of non-pillar longwall mining using complete backfill have been implemented successively in the Chinese coal mining industry.The objective of this paper is to get a scientific understandin...In recent years,field trials of non-pillar longwall mining using complete backfill have been implemented successively in the Chinese coal mining industry.The objective of this paper is to get a scientific understanding of surface subsidence control effect using such techniques.It begins with a brief overview on complete backfill methods primarily used in China,followed by an analysis of collected subsidence factors under mining with complete backfill.It is concluded that non-pillar longwall panel layout cannot protect surface structures against damages at a relatively large mining height,even though complete backfill is conducted.In such cases,separated longwall panel layout should be applied,i.e.,panel width should be subcritical and stable coal pillars should be left between the adjacent panels.The proposed method takes the principles of subcritical extraction and partial extraction;in conjunction with gob backfilling,surface subsidence can be effectively mitigated,thus protecting surface buildings against mining-induced damage.A general design principle and method of separated panel layout have also been proposed.展开更多
Historically there have been a number of different hypotheses and empirical models developed in an attempt to describe the nature of fracturing above longwall panels in underground coal mining.The motivation for suchm...Historically there have been a number of different hypotheses and empirical models developed in an attempt to describe the nature of fracturing above longwall panels in underground coal mining.The motivation for suchmodels varies,ranging fromunderstanding the impact ofmining on surface subsidence,to back-analysis of caving behaviour in the immediate roof behind the longwall face.One of the most critical motivating factors that is taking on increased importance in many coalfields,is the need for better understanding,and hence prediction of the impact of mining on overlying strata,particularly strata units acting as aquifers for different groundwater horizons.This paper reviews some of the major prediction models in the context of observed behaviour of strata displacement and fracturing above longwall panels in the southern coalfields of New South Wales,south of Sydney.The paper discusses the parameter often referred to as"height of fracturing"in terms of the critical parameters that influence it,and the relevance and appropriateness of this terminology in the context of overlying sub-surface subsidence and groundwater impact.The paper proposes an alternative terminology for this parameter that better reflects what it is and how it is used.The paper also addresses the potential role of major bedding shear planes mobilised by mining and their potential influence on overlying subsidence and groundwater interference.展开更多
Coal mine longwall gateroads are subject to changing loading conditions induced by the advancing longwall face. The ground response and support requirements are closely related to the magnitude and orientation of the ...Coal mine longwall gateroads are subject to changing loading conditions induced by the advancing longwall face. The ground response and support requirements are closely related to the magnitude and orientation of the stress changes, as well as the local geology. This paper presents the monitoring results of gateroad response and support performance at two longwall mines at a 180-m and 600-m depth of cover.At the first mine, a three-entry gateroad layout was used. The second mine used a four-entry, yieldabutment-yield gateroad pillar system. Local ground deformation and support response were monitored at both sites. The monitoring period started during the development stage and continued during first panel retreat and up to second panel retreat. The two data sets were used to compare the response of the entries in two very different geotechnical settings and different gateroad layouts. The monitoring results were used to validate numerical models that simulate the loading conditions and entry response for these widely differing conditions. The validated models were used to compare the load path and ground response at the two mines. This paper demonstrates the potential for numerical models to assist mine engineers in optimizing longwall layouts and gateroad support systems.展开更多
For studying the strata behavior due to multi-slicing top coal caving longwall mining along-the-strike direction in steeply dipping extra thick coal seams,the shield support pressures of the upper and lower slices of ...For studying the strata behavior due to multi-slicing top coal caving longwall mining along-the-strike direction in steeply dipping extra thick coal seams,the shield support pressures of the upper and lower slices of panel 37220 in Dongxia Coal Mine were monitored using the KJ513 dynamic monitoring system.The set up rooms adopted the "horizontal line-arc segment-inclined line" form and used different types of shield supports.The results show that the strata pressure of upper slice panel 37220-1 changed slightly along the strike direction,while along the dip direction it exhibited strong to weak pressure from bottom to top.The first weighting interval of lower slice panel 37220-2 was about 60.8 m,and the average periodic weighting interval were about 22.6 m.The strata behavior of panel 37220-2 exhibited a spatiotemporal characteristic in that periodic weighting occurred first in the middle-upper part,followed by the middle and upper parts,arc segment,and finally the lower part.During the periodic weighting,the weighting interval and intensity also exhibited strong space characteristics.The average dynamic load coefficient was 1.48 and the maximum lateral load of the side shield was 20-25 MPa.展开更多
This study presents a numerical investigation to assess the risk of coal bumps and produces a stress–relief technology using boreholes to mitigate risk during the extraction of an island longwall panel.Based on the g...This study presents a numerical investigation to assess the risk of coal bumps and produces a stress–relief technology using boreholes to mitigate risk during the extraction of an island longwall panel.Based on the geological condition in an island longwall panel in the Tangshan Coal Mine,Tangshan,China,a numerical FLAC3D(Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3 Dimensions) model was established to determine and to map the zones in the panel with a high risk for coal bumps.The results of the numerical modeling show that the roof deformation starts to occur at more than 30 m ahead of the longwall face and the deformation starts to accelerate after a distance of 10 m in front of the longwall face.Large and rapid roof deformation is considered to be an important precursor of coal bump occurrence during the extraction of an island longwall panel.Based on the numerical results,a stress–relief technology using boreholes,which was employed to release abutment pressure,was investigated through numerical methods.The modeled results suggest that the peak stress concentration could be released by drilling boreholes in the zones prone to coal bumps.The effectiveness of the stress release increased with the borehole length and decreased with the borehole spacing.展开更多
Underground gassy longwall mining goafs may suffer potential gas explosions during the mining process because of the irregularity of gas emissions in the goaf and poor ventilation of the working face,which are risks d...Underground gassy longwall mining goafs may suffer potential gas explosions during the mining process because of the irregularity of gas emissions in the goaf and poor ventilation of the working face,which are risks difficult to control.In this work,the 3235 working face of the Xutuan Colliery in Suzhou City,China,was researched as a case study.The effects of air quantity and gas emission on the three-dimensional distribution of oxygen and methane concentration in the longwall goaf were studied.Based on the revised Coward’s triangle and linear coupling region formula,the coupled methane-oxygen explosive hazard zones(CEHZs)were drawn.Furthermore,a simple practical index was proposed to quantitatively determine the gas explosion risk in the longwall goaf.The results showed that the CEHZs mainly focus on the intake side where the risk of gas explosion is greatest.The CEHZ is reduced with increasing air quantity.Moreover,the higher the gas emission,the larger the CEHZ,which moves towards the intake side at low goaf heights and shifts to the deeper parts of the goaf at high heights.In addition,the risk of gas explosion is reduced as air quantities increase,but when gas emissions increase to a higher level(greater than 50 m3/min),the volume of the CEHZ does not decrease with the increase of air quantity,and the risk of gas explosion no longer shows a linear downward trend.This study is of significance as it seeks to reduce gas explosion accidents and improve mine production safety.展开更多
Surface subsidence that results from longwall mining can be large magnitude and can affect significant areas.Conventional methods for subsidence monitoring include leveling,global positioning system(GPS),and photogram...Surface subsidence that results from longwall mining can be large magnitude and can affect significant areas.Conventional methods for subsidence monitoring include leveling,global positioning system(GPS),and photogrammetric surveys.Remote sensing techniques including,aerial LiDAR,terrestrial laser scanning,and satellite-based Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar(DInSAR),are also used to measure deformation associated with subsidence.DInSAR data are different than data from conventional subsidence surveys.Images capture data over large areas(hundreds of kilometers),and each pixel(data point)in an image quantifies the average displacement over an area of square meters.DInSAR data can have fairly high time resolution;imaging periods typically range from weeks to months.DInSAR data can be useful to monitor subsidence sequentially over short periods.Regularly monitoring subsidence may help define if caving is progressing normally and can establish relationships between surface deformation and longwall face advance,which has potential to help quantify possible risks to mine stability.In this study,subsidence at a longwall trona mine is monitored over short periods,typically 12 days,as the longwall face is advanced through a panel.C-band interferometric wide swath synthetic aperture radar(SAR)images from the sentinel satellites are used to quantify the subsidence.The onset of subsidence occurs close in time to the beginning of the longwall face advance,and overall,the development of subsidence closely follows the longwall face advance.展开更多
文摘Shear strain energy is a pivotal physical quantity in the occurrence of earthquakes and rockbursts during deep mining operations.This research is focused on understanding the changes in shear strain energy in the context of retreating longwall mining,which is essential for the optimized design and mitigation of rockbursts and seismic events.Through the application of innovative analytical models,this study expands its analytical range to include the variations in shear strain energy caused by fault coseismic slip.An integrated methodology is utilized,taking into account the changes in coseismic and fault friction parameters as well as enhancements in mining-induced stress and existing background stresses.Our numerical investigation highlights the significance of mining location and fault characteristics as key determinants of shear strain energy modifications.The analysis demonstrates significant spatial variability in shear strain energy,especially noting that fault slip near the mining face greatly increases the likelihood of rockburst.This finding emphasizes the need to integrate fault coseismic slip dynamics into the triggering factors of rock(coal)bursts,thus broadening the theoretical foundation for addressing geological hazards in deep mining operations.The results are further corroborated by observational data from the vicinity of the F16 fault zone,introducing the concept of mining-induced fault coseismic slip as an essential element in the theoretical framework for understanding rockburst triggers.
基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2023YQTD02)National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC2907501)。
文摘To address issues such as inefficient top-coal drawing,challenges in simultaneously mining and drawing,and the need for intelligent control in extra-thick coal seams,this study examines the principles of top-coal drawing and explores automation and intelligent equipment solutions within the framework of the group coal drawing method.Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the impact of the Number of Drawing Openings(NDO)and rounds on top-coal recovery,coal draw-ing efficiency,and Top Coal Loss(TCL)mechanism.Subsequently,considering the recovery and coal drawing efficiency and by introducing the instantaneous gangue content and cumulative gangue content in simulations,the top-coal recovery,gangue content,and coal loss distribution when considering excessive coal drawing were analyzed.This established a foun-dation for determining the optimal NDO and shutdown timing.Finally,the key technical principle and automated control of a shock vibration and hyperspectral fusion recognition device were detailed,and an intelligent coal drawing control method based on this technology was developed.This technology enabled the precise control of the instantaneous gangue content(35%)during coal drawing.The top-coal recovery at the Tashan Mine 8222 working face increased by 14.78%,and the gangue content was controlled at~9%,consistent with the numerical simulation results.Thus,the reliability of the numerical simulation results was confirmed to a certain extent.Meanwhile,the single-group drawing method significantly enhanced the production capacity of the 8222 working face,achieving an annual output of 15 million tons.
基金supported by the Autonomous General Projects of the State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control,Chongqing University,China(Grant No.2011DA105287-MS202209)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,China(Grant Nos.52304149 and 52204127).
文摘The fracture and migration patterns of direct roofs play a critical role in excavation stability and mining pressure.However,current methods fail to capture the irregular three-dimensional(3D)behavior of these roofs.In this study,the problem was solved by introducing an innovative 2.5-dimensional(2.5D)Voronoi numerical simulation method,dividing rock layers into 2.5D Voronoi blocks and developing cohesive element-based failure models,supported by a strain-softening HoekeBrown model.The method was applied to the 8311 working face in the Taishan Mine in China,and its accuracy was confirmed through physical experiments.The following conclusions were drawn.The first roof break typically followed an"O-X"pattern.The direct roof did not break randomly over time;instead,it followed three distinct scenarios:(1)A complete break of the direct roof occurred,followed by a sequential collapse(ScenarioⅠ).(2)Regional irregular stacking in one area was followed by sequential collapse in other zones(ScenarioⅡ).(3)The staged breakdown of the direct roof led to separate and sequential collapses on the left and right flanks(ScenarioⅢ).Scenario I was quite common during the 400 m advance of the working face and occurred five times.The fracture characteristics in Scenario I led to widespread pressure on the hydraulic supports in the middle of the working face.Finally,the direct roof from the working face towards the goaf area underwent phases of overhanging,hinging,and collapsing plates.After the first and periodic breaks,the basic roof formed stable hinged plate structures reinforced by overhanging plates and irregular accumulations of the direct roof.
基金Project(11472311)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(2015CX005)supported by the Innovation Driven Plan of Central South University of ChinaProject(2015zzts083)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Central South University,China
文摘Acoupled biharmonic spline and linear interpolation algorithm was proposed to create a three-dimensional smooth deposit model with minimal curvature containing grade and position data. To obtain the optimal technical parameters, such as cuttingheight and drum diameter, a virtual longwall mining procedure was modelled by simulating the actual fully mechanized longwall mining process. Based on the above work, a bauxite deposit in a longwall mining panel was modelled by scattered grade data from ores sampled on the entry wall. The deposit was then demarcated by industrial indexes and sliced according to the virtual longwallmining procedure. The results show that the proposed interpolation algorithm can depict the stratiform structure of bauxite depositsand that the uncovered bauxite deposit has high proportions of high-grade and rich ore. The ranges of optimal cutting height and drum diameters are 1.72-2.84 m and 1.42-1.72 m, respectively. Finally, an intellectualized longwall mining procedure was designed to guide the mining process with the lowest dilution and loss rates.
文摘It is very difficult to reasonably evaluate the loads acting on coal pillars in longwall panels during the planning of a new pillar system. The application of empirical equations is a common practice in calculating coal pillar loads while designing a new pillar. This paper proposes numerical models for evaluating coal pillar loads. The key of building a successful numerical model for calculating coal pillar loads lies in the fact that the model should represent the redistribution of stress all over the longwall panels and the surrounding areas, and it is especially important to include the characteristics of the stress rebuilding process in the gob areas, which are crucial for the building process of coal pillar loads. Based on the geo-mechanical background of the Baoshan Coal Mine, this paper details the procedures of applying numerical models to the evaluation of coal pillar loads and their local practices. The study results show it is feasible and reasonable to use numerical models to evaluate coal pillar loads.
文摘This paper explores the ongoing development and implementation of longwall automation technology to achieve greater levels of underground coal mining performance. The primary driver behind the research and development effort is to increase the safety, productivity and efficiency of longwall mining operations to enhance the underlying mining business. A brief review of major longwall automation challenges is given followed by a review of the insights and benefits associated with the LASC longwall shearer automation solution. Areas of technical challenge in sensing, decision support, autonomy and human interaction are then highlighted, with specific attention given to remote operating centres, proximity detection and systems-level architectures in order to motivate further automation system development.The vision for a fully integrated coal mining ecosystem is discussed with the goal of delivering a highperformance, zero-exposure and environmentally coherent mining operations.
基金the project of the Institute of Clean Technologies for Mining and Utilisation of Raw Materials for Energy Use–Sustainability Programme of Czech Republic (No.LO1406)supported by a project for the long-term conceptual development of research organisations (No.RVO:68145535)
文摘Rockburst represents a very dangerous phenomenon in deep underground mining in unfavourable conditions such as great depth, high horizontal stress, proximity of important tectonic structures, and unmined pillars. The case study describes a recorded heavy rockburst in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, which occurred during longwall mining near the protective pillar. The artificial dividing of geological blocks and creation of mining protective pillars(shaft pillars, crosscut pillars etc.) is a dangerous task in light of rockbursts occurring mainly due to overstressing of remaining pillars. A simple model of this situation is presented. Natural and mining conditions are analysed and presented in detail as well as registered seismicity during longwall mining in the area. Recorded rockbursts in the area of interest are described and their causes discussed. Many rockbursts near protective pillars were recorded in this mining region. Methodical instructions for rockburst prevention in proximity of protective pillars as well as for gates driving were devised based on the evaluation of rockburst causes. The paper presents these principles for prevention.
基金financial support provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51604258)is greatly appreciated
文摘Surface subsidence is a typical ground movement due to longwall mining, which causes a series of environmental problems and hazards. In China, intensive coal extractions are commonly operated under dense-populated coalfields, which exacerbates the negative subsequences resulted from surface settlement. Therefore, effective approaches to control the ground subsidence are in urgent need for the Chinese coal mining industry. This paper presents a newly developed subsidence control technology: isolated overburden grout injection, including the theory, technique and applications. Relevant procedures such as injection system design, grouting material selection, borehole layout, grout take estimation and injection process design are proposed. The applicability of this technology has been demonstrated through physical modelling, field measurements, and case studies. Since 2009, the technology has been successfully applied to 14 longwall areas in 9 Chinese coal mines. The ultimate surface subsidence factors vary from 0.10 to 0.15. This method has a great potential to be popularized and performed where longwall mining are implemented under villages and ground infrastructures.
基金sponsored by National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2017YFC0603002)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51974264)State Key Laboratory of Coal Resource and Safety Mining, China University of Mining & Technology (No. SKLCRSM18KF023)
文摘Effective surrounding rock control is a prerequisite for realizing safe mining in underground coal mines.In the past three decades, longwall top-coal caving mining(LTCC) and single pass large height longwall mining(SPLL) found expanded usage in extracting thick coal seams in China. The two mining methods lead to large void space left behind the working face, which increases the difficulty in ground control.Longwall face failure is a common problem in both LTCC and SPLL mining. Such failure is conventionally attributed to low strength and high fracture intensity of the coal seam. However, the stiffness of main components included in the surrounding rock system also greatly influences longwall face stability.Correspondingly, surrounding rock system is developed for LTCC and SPLL faces in this paper. The conditions for simultaneous balance of roof structure and longwall face are put forward by taking the stiffness of coal seam, roof strata and hydraulic support into account. The safety factor of the longwall face is defined as the ratio between the ultimate bearing capacity and actual load imposed on the coal wall.The influences provided by coal strength, coal stiffness, roof stiffness, and hydraulic support stiffness,as well as the movement of roof structure are analyzed. Finally, the key elements dominating longwall face stability are identified for improving surrounding rock control effectiveness in LTCC and SPLL faces.
基金provided by the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2017YFC060300204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51604267 and 51704095)+1 种基金Yue Qi Young Scholar Project CUMTBYue Qi Distinguished Scholar Project (No. 800015Z1138)
文摘This paper reviews the development of U.S. longwall mining from an unknown to became the world standard in the past five decades with emphasis on automation. Large scale longwall face equipment were imported from Germany and United Kingdom to increase production in the 1970 s and great effort was made to improve them to suit U.S. conditions, rather than domestic market. Automation began with the development of electrohydraulic shields in 1984 and continue to present. Introduction of first generation semi-automated longwall system occurred in 1995 and step-to-step improvement continues to present following the development of sensor technology and internet of things(IOT). Since then, emphasis on new development has been concentrated on the improvement of equipment reliability, miner's health and safety as well as production, including dust control techniques, proximity sensor, anti-collision and remote control. Automation is classified into two categories: automation of individual face equipment and automation of longwall system. The automation development of longwall system is divided into three stages: shearer-initiated-shield-advance(SISA), semi-automated longwall system, and remote control shearer.
文摘Coal bursts involve the sudden, violent ejection of coal or rock into the mine workings. They are a particular hazard because they typically occur without warning. During the past 2 years three US coal miners were killed in two coal bursts, following a 6-year period during which there were zero burst fatalities. This paper puts the US experience in the context of worldwide research into coal bursts. It focuses on two major longwall mining coalfields which have struggled with bursts for decades. The Utah experience displays many of the "classic" burst characteristics, including deep cover, strong roof and floor rock, and a direct association between bursts and mining activity. In Colorado, the longwalls of the North Fork Valley (NFV) also work at great depth, but their roof and floor strengths are moderate, and most bursts have occurred during entry development or in headgates, bleeders, or other outby locations. The NFV bursts also are more likely to be associated with geologic structures and large magnitude seismic events. The paper provides a detailed case history to illustrate the experience in each of these coalfields. The paper closes with a brief discussion of how US longwalls have managed the burst risk.
文摘Roof falls in longwall headgate can occur when weak roof and high horizontal stress are present. To prevent roof falls in the headgate under high horizontal stress, it is important to understand the ground response to high horizontal stress in the longwall headgate and the requirements for supplemental roof support. In this study, a longwall headgate under high horizontal stress was instrumented to monitor stress change in the pillars, deformations in the roof, and load in the cable bolts. The conditions in the headgate were monitored for about six months as the longwall face passed by the instrumented site.The roof behavior in the headgate near the face was carefully observed during longwall retreat.Numerical modeling was performed to correlate the modeling results with underground observation and instrumentation data and to quantify the effect of high horizontal stress on roof stability in the longwall headgate. This paper discusses roof support requirements in the longwall headgate under high horizontal stress in regard to the pattern of supplemental cable bolts and the critical locations where additional supplemental support is necessary.
基金supported by the UNSW Australia-Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training(MOET)Scholarship Program
文摘Longwall Top Coal Caving has been considered as one of the most effective technologies for the extraction of underground thick coal seams. A large number of studies on the applicability of Longwall Top Coal Caving into new mine sites have linked the success of its application to the geo mechanical understanding of the cavability of the top coal. The paper aims to improve the knowledge of the top coal cavability evaluation. A range of parameters that affect the top coal cavability were first identified. Afterward, a number of cavability assessment methods and classifications were reviewed. The result is important in that it assists researchers in developing an advanced and reliable tool for the top coal cavability evaluation.
文摘In recent years,field trials of non-pillar longwall mining using complete backfill have been implemented successively in the Chinese coal mining industry.The objective of this paper is to get a scientific understanding of surface subsidence control effect using such techniques.It begins with a brief overview on complete backfill methods primarily used in China,followed by an analysis of collected subsidence factors under mining with complete backfill.It is concluded that non-pillar longwall panel layout cannot protect surface structures against damages at a relatively large mining height,even though complete backfill is conducted.In such cases,separated longwall panel layout should be applied,i.e.,panel width should be subcritical and stable coal pillars should be left between the adjacent panels.The proposed method takes the principles of subcritical extraction and partial extraction;in conjunction with gob backfilling,surface subsidence can be effectively mitigated,thus protecting surface buildings against mining-induced damage.A general design principle and method of separated panel layout have also been proposed.
文摘Historically there have been a number of different hypotheses and empirical models developed in an attempt to describe the nature of fracturing above longwall panels in underground coal mining.The motivation for suchmodels varies,ranging fromunderstanding the impact ofmining on surface subsidence,to back-analysis of caving behaviour in the immediate roof behind the longwall face.One of the most critical motivating factors that is taking on increased importance in many coalfields,is the need for better understanding,and hence prediction of the impact of mining on overlying strata,particularly strata units acting as aquifers for different groundwater horizons.This paper reviews some of the major prediction models in the context of observed behaviour of strata displacement and fracturing above longwall panels in the southern coalfields of New South Wales,south of Sydney.The paper discusses the parameter often referred to as"height of fracturing"in terms of the critical parameters that influence it,and the relevance and appropriateness of this terminology in the context of overlying sub-surface subsidence and groundwater impact.The paper proposes an alternative terminology for this parameter that better reflects what it is and how it is used.The paper also addresses the potential role of major bedding shear planes mobilised by mining and their potential influence on overlying subsidence and groundwater interference.
文摘Coal mine longwall gateroads are subject to changing loading conditions induced by the advancing longwall face. The ground response and support requirements are closely related to the magnitude and orientation of the stress changes, as well as the local geology. This paper presents the monitoring results of gateroad response and support performance at two longwall mines at a 180-m and 600-m depth of cover.At the first mine, a three-entry gateroad layout was used. The second mine used a four-entry, yieldabutment-yield gateroad pillar system. Local ground deformation and support response were monitored at both sites. The monitoring period started during the development stage and continued during first panel retreat and up to second panel retreat. The two data sets were used to compare the response of the entries in two very different geotechnical settings and different gateroad layouts. The monitoring results were used to validate numerical models that simulate the loading conditions and entry response for these widely differing conditions. The validated models were used to compare the load path and ground response at the two mines. This paper demonstrates the potential for numerical models to assist mine engineers in optimizing longwall layouts and gateroad support systems.
基金funds supported by the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51634007)
文摘For studying the strata behavior due to multi-slicing top coal caving longwall mining along-the-strike direction in steeply dipping extra thick coal seams,the shield support pressures of the upper and lower slices of panel 37220 in Dongxia Coal Mine were monitored using the KJ513 dynamic monitoring system.The set up rooms adopted the "horizontal line-arc segment-inclined line" form and used different types of shield supports.The results show that the strata pressure of upper slice panel 37220-1 changed slightly along the strike direction,while along the dip direction it exhibited strong to weak pressure from bottom to top.The first weighting interval of lower slice panel 37220-2 was about 60.8 m,and the average periodic weighting interval were about 22.6 m.The strata behavior of panel 37220-2 exhibited a spatiotemporal characteristic in that periodic weighting occurred first in the middle-upper part,followed by the middle and upper parts,arc segment,and finally the lower part.During the periodic weighting,the weighting interval and intensity also exhibited strong space characteristics.The average dynamic load coefficient was 1.48 and the maximum lateral load of the side shield was 20-25 MPa.
基金financially supported by the Major State Basic Research Development Program Fund of China(No.2010CB226801)State Key Laboratory for Coal Resources and Safe Mining+5 种基金China University of Mining&Technology(SKLCRSM11KFB07)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Nos.2011M5004482012T50161)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51174213)the New Century Excellent Talents in the Ministry of Education Support Program of China(No.NCET10-0775)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
文摘This study presents a numerical investigation to assess the risk of coal bumps and produces a stress–relief technology using boreholes to mitigate risk during the extraction of an island longwall panel.Based on the geological condition in an island longwall panel in the Tangshan Coal Mine,Tangshan,China,a numerical FLAC3D(Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3 Dimensions) model was established to determine and to map the zones in the panel with a high risk for coal bumps.The results of the numerical modeling show that the roof deformation starts to occur at more than 30 m ahead of the longwall face and the deformation starts to accelerate after a distance of 10 m in front of the longwall face.Large and rapid roof deformation is considered to be an important precursor of coal bump occurrence during the extraction of an island longwall panel.Based on the numerical results,a stress–relief technology using boreholes,which was employed to release abutment pressure,was investigated through numerical methods.The modeled results suggest that the peak stress concentration could be released by drilling boreholes in the zones prone to coal bumps.The effectiveness of the stress release increased with the borehole length and decreased with the borehole spacing.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFC0808100)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2652018098)the Cultivation Fund from the Key Laboratory of Deep Geodrilling Technology,Ministry of Natural Resources(No.PY201902).
文摘Underground gassy longwall mining goafs may suffer potential gas explosions during the mining process because of the irregularity of gas emissions in the goaf and poor ventilation of the working face,which are risks difficult to control.In this work,the 3235 working face of the Xutuan Colliery in Suzhou City,China,was researched as a case study.The effects of air quantity and gas emission on the three-dimensional distribution of oxygen and methane concentration in the longwall goaf were studied.Based on the revised Coward’s triangle and linear coupling region formula,the coupled methane-oxygen explosive hazard zones(CEHZs)were drawn.Furthermore,a simple practical index was proposed to quantitatively determine the gas explosion risk in the longwall goaf.The results showed that the CEHZs mainly focus on the intake side where the risk of gas explosion is greatest.The CEHZ is reduced with increasing air quantity.Moreover,the higher the gas emission,the larger the CEHZ,which moves towards the intake side at low goaf heights and shifts to the deeper parts of the goaf at high heights.In addition,the risk of gas explosion is reduced as air quantities increase,but when gas emissions increase to a higher level(greater than 50 m3/min),the volume of the CEHZ does not decrease with the increase of air quantity,and the risk of gas explosion no longer shows a linear downward trend.This study is of significance as it seeks to reduce gas explosion accidents and improve mine production safety.
基金Funding for this research was provided by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety(NIOSH).The conclusions of this work are those of the authors and do not represent the opinions or policies of NIOSH.SAR images used in the study are from Copernicus Sentinel data from 2017.Raw data were processed by the European Space Agency(ESA)SAR images were retrieved from ASF DAAC in 2019.The contributions of these organizations are gratefully acknowledged.
文摘Surface subsidence that results from longwall mining can be large magnitude and can affect significant areas.Conventional methods for subsidence monitoring include leveling,global positioning system(GPS),and photogrammetric surveys.Remote sensing techniques including,aerial LiDAR,terrestrial laser scanning,and satellite-based Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar(DInSAR),are also used to measure deformation associated with subsidence.DInSAR data are different than data from conventional subsidence surveys.Images capture data over large areas(hundreds of kilometers),and each pixel(data point)in an image quantifies the average displacement over an area of square meters.DInSAR data can have fairly high time resolution;imaging periods typically range from weeks to months.DInSAR data can be useful to monitor subsidence sequentially over short periods.Regularly monitoring subsidence may help define if caving is progressing normally and can establish relationships between surface deformation and longwall face advance,which has potential to help quantify possible risks to mine stability.In this study,subsidence at a longwall trona mine is monitored over short periods,typically 12 days,as the longwall face is advanced through a panel.C-band interferometric wide swath synthetic aperture radar(SAR)images from the sentinel satellites are used to quantify the subsidence.The onset of subsidence occurs close in time to the beginning of the longwall face advance,and overall,the development of subsidence closely follows the longwall face advance.