Application and Development of the Method of Geodynamic Zoning According to Geodynamic Hazard Forecasting at Coal Mines in China

Abstract

In China, the method of geodynamic zoning had three periods of its development: “formation”, “development”, and “innovation”. At the first stage, a significant preparatory work was performed, and the investigations were carried out to identify the geodynamic hazard zones at the Beipiao coal deposit field. At the second stage, models were created linking the block structures of the crustal tectonic plates and coal minefields, the work was continued on the geodynamic zoning of deposit fields deemed being of hazardous rock bumps occurrence. At the third stage, a program was developed for calculating the stress state of the rock massif, taking into account the data on geodynamic zoning. A model of multifactorial recognition of hazardous sections of minefields by sudden outbursts and rock bursts has been developed, and the corresponding research has carried out at the coal deposit fields. Investigations of the connection between the energy of a rock burst and the size of the massif area involved in this process have been carried out, followed by the creation of the corresponding model. The effectiveness of the method of recognizing areas of an increased geodynamic hazard was provided during the work using examples of particular mines. For the Yue Jin minefield, outburst’s hazardous, threatened, and non-hazardous areas have been identified. For the Jingxi minefield, rockburst’s hazardous, threatened, and non-hazardous areas have been identified. It is recommended to apply preventive measures based on the results of the forecast being conducted to improve the geodynamic safety in mining.