Numerical simulation of geomechanical state of coal massif in the vicinity of underground workings in the superimposed seams

Abstract

The results of numerical modeling of stresses distribution in the formation of coal seams, mined successively in a descending order are presented. The variant is considered, in which the working of the upper seam is carried out in advance and the selvages of the mine workings in the tapped and overworked seam are located in zones of increased rock pressure and unloading, which creates dangerous conditions for mining operations. A mathematical model of stress-strain state of the geomassif in the form of a boundary-value problem, which was solved by the finite element method. Computational experiments were carried out to assess the mutual influence of excavations in the superimposed seams. The zones of increased rock pressure are determined within which the most dangerous geomechanical situation arises. The evaluation of the conformity of the numerical simulation results with the requirements of normative documents is performed. The proposed approach is recommended for the development of project documentation.