Instability energy mechanism of super-large section crossing chambers in deep coal mines

Abstract

The stress concentration and failure at chamber intersections in coal mine are intense, especially in deep-buried, super-large section conditions. In this paper, the plastic radius of super-large section chamber under unequal pressure was corrected on the basis of the size effect. Then, stress and failure evolution of intersections under different crossing angles and equivalent angular bisectors were revealed. Furthermore, 2 trajectory curves of failure and stress were analytically expressed, which divided the intersection into 5 influencing zones in the light of stress superposition degree. After determining instability trigger point and instability path, instability energy criterion of intersection can be obtained as K > 1, which means that the external energy is greater than the sum of energy consumed by surrounding rock instability and supporting structure failure. Taking coal-gangue separation system of Longgu Coal Mine as example, it was found that there was instability risk under original parameters. For long-term stability, an optimization design method was proposed by considering safety factor, and optimal support scheme was obtained. Field monitoring showed intersections deformations were relatively small with the maximum of 125 mm, which verified the rationality of theoretical analysis. This study provides guidance for the stability control of the intersections under the same or similar conditions.