Mining-induced Stress Research Articles

Study on the Dynamic Evolution of Mining-Induced Stress and Displacement in the Floor Coal-Rock Induced by Protective Layer Mining

Protective layer mining is the most effective means to prevent and control coal and gas outbursts. In order to deeply understand the dynamic evolution law of mining stress and displacement of the bottom plate coal rock body in the process of protective layer mining, the effects of upper protective layer mining on stress variation and displacement deformation in the underlying coal seam were studied using the similar experiment and FLAC3D simulations. The results reveal that mining in the 82# coal seam notably alleviates pressure in the 9# coal seam below, with an average relief rate of 86.2%, demonstrated by the maximal strike expansion deformation rate of 11.3‰ in the 9# coal seam post-mining. Stress monitoring data indicates a stress concentration zone within 32 m ahead of the working face, and a pressure relief zone within 51 m behind it. The research provides a scientific foundation for pressure-relief gas extraction techniques, affirming the substantial impact of upper protective layer mining on alleviating pressure in underlying coal seams, enhancing safety, and optimizing mining efficiency.

Research on the evolution law and control technology of deviatoric stress in the surrounding rock of gob-side entry retaining

Gob-side entry retaining (GER) play a crucial role in enhancing coal recovery, improving roadway stress conditions, and ensuring safe and efficient mining operations. This study focuses on investigating the stability characteristics of surrounding rock using flexible formwork concrete (FFC) along the headgate of 3405 panel. According to the fracture pattern of roof, a mechanical model of GER was developed. This study derived expressions for the support resistance of the filling body and determined its optimal bearing capacity. A FLAC3D numerical model was employed to simulate the GER process, segmented into early, middle, and late stages. Simulation results demonstrate a progression in peak deviatoric stress and extent of plastic zones in the surrounding rock. This evolution includes an initial minor increase (early stage), followed by rapid escalation (middle stage), and eventual stabilization (late stage). The middle stage emerges as critical, characterized by pronounced mining-induced stress effects on the roof. During this phase, significant changes are observed in deviatoric stress curves, with plastic zones rapidly migrating deeper into the rock mass. Practical implementation of the findings revealed a maximum deformation of the filling body of only 198 mm, affirming the feasibility of employing FFC in GER. This research provides valuable insights into managing stability concerns in GER thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency in coal mining under similar conditions.

Fault slip and seismic source response characteristics under induced stress wave

As coal mining depth and structural complexity increase, the failure severity of mining-induced fault activation leading to rock bursts escalates. Fault fracture zones, consisting of various secondary structures, are essential for understanding tectonic evolution and seismic wave propagation. The interaction between mining-induced stress waves and in-situ stress complicates the dynamics and activation markers of fault fracture zones. This paper aims to clarify the patterns of stick–slip instability and stress evolution in these zones under coal mining-induced stress waves. Using theoretical models and continuous-discrete coupling simulations, the study explores the dynamic response of fault fracture zones in the meta-instability stage, the micro-scale fracture force chain structure, and the distribution and synergistic instability of fault plane seismic sources. The research shows that fault fracture zones changes stress wave propagation path and energy redistribution due to its heterogeneity leads to multiple times decomposition of wave field. Minor delamination between the hanging wall and footwall can trigger unstable slip. Tensional seismic sources with extensive failure drive fault slip. Dynamic stress waves disrupt force chains near seismic sources, increasing hazard levels. Static in-situ stress affects shear seismic sources by influencing porosity and crack angles. Seismic sources along the fault strike transition from divergent to concentrated, trending horizontally. In the meta-instability stage, the initial fracture area locks, with strong structures causing cohesive fractures in the middle of the fault zone, releasing strain energy and forming a sudden increase in slip intensity. These findings provide crucial insights into fault fracture-development-activation markers, fault region stress deformation evolution mechanisms, and risk control of fault-induced rock bursts.

The impact of kaolin mining activities on bacterial diversity and community structure in the rhizosphere soil of three local plants.

Thus far, the impact of kaolin mining activities on the surrounding native plants and rhizosphere microecology has not been fully understood. In this study, we used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to examine the impact of kaolin mining on the rhizosphere bacterial communities and functions of three local plant species: Conyza bonariensis, Artemisia annua, and Dodonaea viscosa. The results showed that kaolin mining significantly reduced the diversity of rhizosphere bacteria in these plants, as indicated by the Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and observed species indices (p < 0.05). Kaolin mining had an impact on the recruitment of three rhizosphere bacteria native to the area: Actinoplanes, RB41, and Mycobacterium. These bacteria were found to be more abundant in the rhizosphere soil of three local plants than in bulk soil, yet the mining of kaolin caused a decrease in their abundance (p < 0.05). Interestingly, Ralstonia was enriched in the rhizosphere of these plants found in kaolin mining areas, suggesting its resilience to environmental stress. Furthermore, the three plants had different dominant rhizosphere bacterial populations in kaolin mining areas, such as Nocardioides, Pseudarthrobacter, and Sphingomonas, likely due to the unique microecology of the plant rhizosphere. Kaolin mining activities also caused a shift in the functional diversity of rhizosphere bacteria in the three local plants, with each plant displaying different functions to cope with kaolin mining-induced stress, such as increased abundance of the GlpM family and glucan-binding domain. This study is the first to investigate the effects of kaolin mining on the rhizosphere microecology of local plants, thus contributing to the establishment of soil microecological health monitoring indicators to better control soil pollution in kaolin mining areas.

Determination of mining-induced stress based on mining face hydraulic support stress and micro-seismicity

Understanding dynamic visualization of mining-induced stress is of great significance to disaster prevention and control in coal mining activities. In this study, three theoretical models, including linear, polynomial, and exponential models, are proposed to inverse the mining-induced stress through the acquisition and analysis of hydraulic support stress and micro-seismicity in the coal mining face. The distribution of mining-induced stress in the coal seam are graphed by fitting two key stress parameters including hydraulic support stress and peak stress, and two key zones including goaf zone and in situ stress zone. These key stress parameters and zones are defined based on the critical nodes of the model curve. According to the geological background of Mataihao coal mine in Erdos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, the contours of mining-induced stress are graphed through the stress calculation of these three inversion theoretical models. The multi-monitoring data of micro-seismicity, drilling chips, advanced borehole stress and bolts axial force are used to verify the key stress parameters and zones of the theoretical models. It shows that the monitoring data are in good agreement with the distribution of inversed results. It should be emphasized that, if the fault structure exists around the mining face, the mining-induced stress decreases obviously when the mining face is passing through the faults, and the location of the peak stress will be closer to the mining face. The results in this study could provide methods for early prevention of extreme mining-induced stress and disaster control in the mining activities.

Simulation and field application study of roadway remodeling load-bearing arch technology

This paper presents a numerical simulation study on the impact of material strength, thickness, and lateral pressure coefficient on the load-bearing arches used in tunnel reconstruction, as well as industrial experiments based on these arches. The study compares three different cross-sectional shapes—straight-wall semicircular arches, flat-bottom straight-wall semicircular arches, and inverted straight-wall semicircular arches—through multi-dimensional numerical simulations investigating various parameters such as material strength, thickness, and lateral pressure coefficient. We analyze the maximum load-bearing capacity of the reconstructed arches and the evolution characteristics of the plastic zones in the tunnel support structures with different cross-sectional shapes. The results indicate that among the factors affecting the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the arches, the ranking is as follows: tensile strength > thickness > lateral pressure coefficient. Additionally, the shape of the cross-section significantly influences the evolution of plastic zones during tunnel failure. The technology of reconstructing load-bearing structures in coal mine tunnels effectively addresses the deformation issues caused by the superimposition of multiple stresses in the tunnels of Daniu Coal Mine. This provides valuable insights for understanding and managing significant deformations resulting from concentrated stresses from in-situ rock, tectonic forces, and mining-induced stresses.

Optimization of a coal mine roof characterization model using machine learning

Predicting areas of increased propensity for roof deformation is crucial for the proactive management of geotechnical risk in underground coal mines. Current practices rely largely on assessing rock mass strength or characterization indices in isolation. Validation of applied ground support systems typically, and in part, comprises a review of observed deformation and analysis of extensometer data from adjacent previously mined areas. This information is seldom routinely assessed relative to the rock mass strength or characterization data. Typically, roof deformation is a response to several combining factors such as mining-induced stress, roof lithology, rock mass strength, and roadway geometry. Therefore, it is optimal to develop an approach to integrate these factors to quantify their relative significance to causing roof deformation, with the goal of establishing a reliable quantitative model for predicting roof deformation.This paper provides a case study in machine learning using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and geophysical log data information from an underground coal mine located in the Bowen Basin (Australia), whereby a suite of parameters is considered pertinent to excavation stability. This machine learning predictive model analyses key geotechnical parameters including field and mining-induced stress, rock mass strength, clay/shale content, and strata monitoring data to identify strata hazards. Finally, the classification model can indicate the risk of roof displacement and observed roof deformation as communicated through a contoured ‘geotechnical hazard map’. This hazard map can assist site engineers understand roof conditions in underground coal mining and thus put in place operational mitigation processes to reduce geotechnical risk on mining. This could potentially improve the identification of high-risk areas and inform future bolting requirements to maintain a safe working environment and minimise production interruptions.

Characterization of energy-driven damage mechanism and gas seepage in coal under mining-induced stress conditions

Gas seepage and progressive failure of coal are common energy-driven mining phenomena. A comprehensive understanding of the energy-driving mechanism behind the catastrophic behavior of mining-induced coal is fundamental to innovating the technology of coal and gas co-mining. Thus, this study simulated three typical mining stress evolution process in protective coal-seam mining (PCM), top-coal caving mining (TCM), and non-pillar mining (NM) to investigate the energy evolution and distribution patterns of coal. The results indicate a strong correlation between energy dissipation and gas seepage. By transitioning from PCM and TCM to NM, the peak elastic strain energy of gas-bearing coal increased by 155.92 %, and the ratio of peak dissipative energy decreased from 51 % to 41 %. Under the PCM stress path, gas seepage decreased the energy storage by 13.52 %, whereas the pre-mining pressure relief and enhanced permeability simulation increased in peak dissipation energy by 49.66 %. Using the cumulative dissipative energy as a damage variable reveals that the degree of coal damage evolution under PCM is higher than other mining methods. Based on the energy-driven damage mechanism, a new coal permeability model was established, and its comparison with classical permeability model demonstrated its excellent fitting effectiveness.

Inversion of mining-induced stress field based on focal mechanism solutions: a case study of the 63upper06 working face in Dongtan Coal Mine

Inversion of mining-induced stress field based on focal mechanism solutions: a case study of the 63upper06 working face in Dongtan Coal Mine

Research on large deformation mechanism of recovery roadway under mining stress conditions

Single Recovery Roadway (SRR) is a novel retraction technology in the non-pillars mining innovation system. In previous support withdrawing, single recovery roadway was usually replaced by a dual-recovery roadway or cut the coal wall before the support. This study is set against the background of the longwall panel at Duanshi Coal Mine, where a mechanical model based on the stress characteristics of a composite cantilever beam was constructed to analyze the failure of the main roof in a single recovery roadway. Through numerical analysis, the relationship between deformation failure of the recovery roadway and interlayer slippage structures was explored, as well as how mining-induced stress distribution and the evolution of key strata fractures impact the stability of the roadway. The results indicate that after the connection of the longwall panel and the recovery roadway, the overlying composite interlayered rock strata are affected by the interlayer slippage structures, leading to significant asymmetric deformation in the surrounding rocks. Additionally, borehole observation data support the theoretical calculations of the cantilever beam model. These research results enhance the understanding of the interlayer slip instability mechanism and provide important guidance for mine design under similar geological conditions.

An entropy based spatial–temporal cube with its application to assess stress of overburden due to mining

Underground coal seam mining significantly alters the stress and energy distribution within the overlying rock, leading to eventual structural degradation. Therefore, it is imperative to quantitatively identify the temporal and spatial characteristics of stress evolution of overlying rock caused by mining. This paper introduces a novel rock stress model integrating entropy and a spatial–temporal cube. Similar material model tests are used to identify the abrupt entropy changes within the mining rock, and the trend analysis is carried out to describe the spatial–temporal evolution law of stress during mining. Experimental findings indicate elevated stress levels in the unmined rock preceding and following the panel, as well as within specific rock strata above it. Definitively, dynamic stress arches within the surrounding rock of the stope predominantly bear and distribute the load and pressure from the overlying rock, and each stress mutation is accompanied by a sudden stress entropy change. Over time, z-score shows that the noticeable reduction in mining-induced overburden stress becomes increasingly pronounced, especially in the water-conducting fracture zone. The model's bifurcation set serves as the comprehensive criterion for the entropy-induced sudden changes in the rock system, signifying overall failure.

Boundary quantitative characterization of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone in fully mechanized top-coal caving stope along the strike direction of working face

In the process of fully mechanized top-coal caving mining, the top-coal is affected by mining-induced stress, and the stress varies along the strike direction of working face, so the boundary position of its entering the limit equilibrium state changes accordingly. The determination of the boundary along the strike direction of working face can provide scientific guidance for the stability control of support-surrounding rock in fully mechanized top-coal caving face. Using the research methods of theoretical analysis, physical similarity simulation experiment and numerical simulation experiment, the stress state analysis model of the boundary position of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone under macro-scale conditions was established, the stress state characterization method of the boundary of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone along the strike direction of working face was given, and the quantitative characterization of the boundary of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone along the strike direction of working face was realized by combining with the mining-induced stress path, and the distance relationship between the boundary of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone and the langwall face along the strike direction of working face was revealed. The results show that after critical mining in fully mechanized top-coal caving face, the distance between the boundary of top-coal limit equilibrium zone and the langwall face along the strike direction of working face presents a relationship of increasing from top to bottom. The distance between the top-coal upper boundary and the langwall face was 2.85 m and the distance between the top-coal lower boundary and the langwall face was 5.39 m. The boundary of top-coal limit equilibrium zone along the strike direction of working face was verified by the top-coal elastic–plastic zone boundary and the boundary of the peak position of front abutment pressure in different layers of top-coal. The results show that the quantitative characterization of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone boundary along the strike direction of working face was reasonable. In order to improve mine production efficiency, optimization measures were put forward for hard coal seam and soft coal seam respectively.

Bolting control of a coal roadway under multi-seam mining – a case study

The stress field of the roadway under multi-seam mining is complex due to multiple mining disturbances. The bolting control of the roadway under multi-seam mining has attracted wide concern. Moreover, conventional metal supporting materials in the coal rib are prone to sparks when shearer works, and new bolting materials are urgently needed. Taking a track roadway under multi-seam mining in China as the engineering case, the mining-induced stress field of the track roadway under multi-seam mining was investigated through numerical simulation and lab and field tests. The test evaluated the mechanical behaviour of FRP bolts and rebar bolts, as well as their anchorage performance under different conditions. Comparative analysis was conducted on the deformation and failure characteristics of the roadway under different bolting parameters to determine an optimised bolting scheme for the track roadway in the I011501 working face. The results show that the goafs and the remaining coal pillars in the overlying coal seams increase the stress in the track roadway in the I011501 working face, especially for the lower rib and roof. The tensile force of the 27 mm-diameter FRP bolt is 1.2 times that of the 22 mm-diameter rebar bolt. The shear strength of the full-length anchored FRP bolt is 70.8% higher than that of the end-anchored bolt. The peak stress of the full-length-anchored bolt is in the shallow coal and rock mass. The optimised bolting scheme of the track roadway subject to multi-seam mining is determined, and the cost of the optimised bolting scheme is lower by about 25.2%, as compared with the primary bolting scheme. Numerical simulation and field application results indicate that the optimised bolting scheme can significantly reduce the deformation and plastic failure of the track roadway in the I011501 working face, which is under multi-seam mining conditions.

Deformation mechanism and control technology of gob-side roadway with continuous mining and continuous backfilling: a case study

Gob-side roadways are excavations created during the mining process, serving to alleviate mining-induced stress. Previous studies have predominantly focused on the caving method, neglecting the examination of failure mechanisms in gob-side roadway associated with continuous mining and continuous backfilling (CMCB). In this study, focusing on Sima Coal Mine, we employed numerical simulation method to thoroughly investigate the full-cycle stress evolution patterns of the gob-side roadway. The numerical simulation results reveal that during the upper working face mining period, severe stress concentration phenomena occur within the coal pillars, with peak stresses reaching 36.0 MPa. Throughout the mining period of next working face, as the CMCB process progressed, the coal inside the working face was gradually replaced by the filling body, forming various coal pillars with decreasing widths. The alternant load between the coal pillar and filling body led to the gradual increase of the internal stress of the coal pillar, with the peak stress reaching 45.0 MPa. To mitigate stress concentration in the surrounding rock of the roadways, this study proposes a control methodology that incorporates "directional control of hydraulic fracturing slots" in conjunction with "reinforcement support of coal pillars" and "temporary support of single hydraulic props" as core components. Industrial experiments were conducted to validate the efficacy of the proposed control techniques. Field monitoring results demonstrate significant improvements in the stress environment, effectively mitigating deformation of roadway.

Mechanism of stress transmission and feasibility of mining the lower coal seam under repeated mining in close-multiple coal seams

Mining in an upper coal seam results in the redistribution of vertical stress within a lower coal seam until a new equilibrium state is attained. Close-multiple coal seams mining faces the occurrence of multi-goafs and a complex stress environment. Based on a case study of close-multiple coal seams with repeated mining in the Qianjiaying coal mine, a stress distribution model of the floor in the coal seam striking range was established by optimizing the load form of the abutment pressure. The floor stress state after primary and repeated mining of upper coal seams was analyzed in a visual and quantitative manner. The concentrations of vertical stress, horizontal stress, and shear stress are all located in the floor under the coal rib after primary and repeated mining. The curve of stresses gradually levels off as the depth of the floor increases, indicating a diminishing influence of mining-induced stress from the upper coal seam. Based on the stress analysis by numerical simulations, the overall lower coal seam remains in a state of large-scale stress relief. Stress relief occurred twice under repeated mining, which indicates that the lower coal seam has favorable mining feasibility. The results of the study can provide scientific guidance to prevent mining accidents.

Coal burst mechanism in large-scale panel under extra-thick key strata

Extra-thick key strata (ETKS) are a key factor causing coal bursts. In this study, field monitoring, physical and numerical modelling, and theoretical analysis were comprehensively adopted to investigate the effect of ETKS on the static and dynamic stress and its impact on coal bursts. Firstly, the coal bursts and the stability of ETKS were investigated. The roof strata structure and the mining-induced stress in a large scale panel under ETKS were analyzed. Then, the coal burst mechanism under ETKS is discussed. The results show that when the panel reaches the 4th and 5th longwall faces, the inferior ETKS and the main ETKS break, respectively, and large-scale cantilever-articulated structures involving the ETKS are formed. This moment, the overburden load is transferred downwards massively, and the coal seam becomes overstressed and accumulates massive elastic energy. Meanwhile, the collaborative collapse of multiple strata in the large cantilever-articulated structures causes the sudden release of elastic energy and high-energy seismicity, which exerts strong dynamic disturbances on the overstressed coal mass and leads to coal burst. Finally, strategies for coal burst control under ETKS including deep-hole pre-splitting blasting and panel size optimization are proposed and validated.

Practical Methodology for Evaluating Mining Front Stability Based on the Diametrical Core Deformation Technique

The state of stress in a mining front constantly changes with mining activities. In a recent study, the authors developed and verified with laboratory measurements an analytical model for the calculation of mining-induced stresses based on measuring the deformations of a diamond drill rock core extracted perpendicular to the mining front or face. The method is called diametrical core deformation technique (DCDT). In this study, the DCDT is used in combination with 3D numerical modelling to develop a practical methodology for the assessment of mining face stability. To demonstrate the methodology, a diamond drill rock core was retrieved from an access drift face 530 m below the surface of an underground mine in northern Quebec. The state of stress in the mining front is estimated from the DCDT and used to adjust the orientation and principal stress magnitudes in the local area around the access drift in a 3D linear-elastic numerical model using an iterative approach. As the rock core is partially fractured due to previous face advance blasting, the numerical model is further adjusted to model the observed damage zone. The 3D model after adjustments is used to examine the mining front stability with the Hoek–Brown failure criterion. It is postulated that the proposed methodology is suitable for the stability assessment of any mining front with or without an observed damage zone.

True triaxial energy evolution characteristics and failure mechanism of deep rock subjected to mining-induced stress

In deep rock engineering, complex stress conditions are encountered, which leads to difficulties in engineering disaster prevention and control. To investigate the failure behaviors and mechanisms of deep rock mining, a series of tests was designed for mining-induced failure at different simulated depths using a multifunctional true triaxial geophysical (TTG) apparatus. The results showed that both the simulated depth and mining disturbance affected the deformation characteristics of the sandstone specimens. With increasing depth, the strength gradually increased. The peak strength increased fastest in the single-sided unloading failure test (SUFT) and slowest in the stress loading and unloading failure test (SLUFT). The failure mode also changed significantly. In the displacement loading failure test (DLFT), the failure mode gradually changed from tensile failure to shear failure. In the SLUFTs, the failure mode of the specimens changed from layer cracking to shear failure. In the SUFTs, the failure mode of the specimen transitioned from layer cracking to tensile shear failure and then to shear failure. Scholars have previously proposed an elastic strain energy calculation method for true triaxial stress conditions. An elastic strain energy calculation method applicable to different mining disturbance was proposed under true triaxial stress conditions, and the evolution characteristics of the work done, elastic strain energy, and dissipated energy were analyzed. Additionally, a method to quantitatively characterize the relationship between macroscopic cracks and dissipated energy was proposed, and microscopic fracture analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Different depths and various types of mining-induced failure were fully considered, and the specimen deformation, failure type, energy evolution (including dissipation), and failure mechanisms were analyzed. The results can provide guidance for deep underground engineering projects.

Mining-induced stress evolution mechanism and control technology of working face in deep coal seam bifurcation and merging area: a case study

Mining-induced stress evolution mechanism and control technology of working face in deep coal seam bifurcation and merging area: a case study

Analysis of Dynamic Evolution of Surrounding Rock Movement and Stress-Fracture in the Upward and Repeated Mining of Close-Distance Coal Seams

The distribution of mining-induced stress and the resulting rock fractures are two crucial factors affecting mineral extraction in protective layer mining. This research establishes a correlation between the vertical fracture aperture and the second derivative of the rock layer’s subsidence curve equation. The article explores the span requirement for a simply supported beam to fracture. This condition is relevant to understanding the dynamic evolution of rock movement and stress fractures during repeated mining of close-distance coal seams. Our study investigates alterations in rock stress and fractures resulting from repeated upward mining of coal seams, using the nearby coal seam cluster in Jincheng Mine as a case study. The research findings indicate that during the mining of the upper coal seam, the roof experiences significant but brief periodic loading intervals, as well as severe and moderate periodic loading. As mining progresses to the lower coal seam, pressure relief of the upper coal seam gradually increases in both degree and range. In the upper coal seam, the vertical stress distribution follows a sequence of “V,” “U,” and “W” forms. The upper coal seam undergoes five stages of expansion deformation: compression, expansion, increased expansion, decreased expansion, and stable expansion.