Research on Goaf Water Features and Disaster Formation Mechanism in China Coalmines

Abstract

Goaf water is one of the major water hazards in China coalmines. In statistics, over 80 % of the accidents recorded in the recent years were caused by goaf water burst. This article classifies goaf water into 11 types. It analyses the features of goaf water and studies the mechanisms inducing goaf water disasters, including goaf water exposed by tunnel excavation, channelled by water-conductive faults and post-mining caving fissures in overlying strata, and bursting through damaged water-resistant coal pillar. All achievements can be of reference to other coal-producing countries confronted with karst water hazards.