An Integrated Approach for the Prediction of Underground-Induced Strata Movement over Longwall Coal Mining Panels

Abstract

A reliable prediction of the strata behavior and support capacity of longwall workings has always been a challenge for mining engineers. It is still difficult to quantitatively predict some important mining parameters, such as support capability and the interval of periodic caving of the major roof under given mining and strata conditions. The reason is that several factors controlling the strata behavior are difficult to determine, such as the bulk factor of the caving zone, strength factor of the major roof and load factor of the overlying rock strata. In this study, the back analysis method is employed to address this problem. This paper illustrates an integrated approach to predict the strata movement behavior and optimum capability of powered roof supports for safe mining. First, this approach uses the empirical method to qualitatively analyze the mining influence zone, then establishes a quantitative prediction model by theoretic analysis method, and solves the optimum values of the factors described in the model with the back analysis method. On the basis of the above research, the support capability and interval of periodic caving of the major roof under similar geological conditions may be calculated by using these suitable values of the factors. Finally, an illustration of the above process is presented in this paper to examine the reliability of this approach.