Longwall mining “cutting cantilever beam theory” and 110 mining method in China——The third mining science innovation

With the third innovation in science and technology worldwide, China has also experienced thismarvelous progress. Concerning the longwall mining in China, the ＂masonry beam theory＂ （MBT） wasfirst proposed in the 1960s, illustrating that the transmission and equilibrium method of overburdenpressure using reserved coal pillar in mined-out areas can be realized. This forms the so-called ＂121mining method＂, which lays a solid foundation for development of mining science and technology inChina. The ＂transfer rock beam theory＂ （TRBT） proposed in the 1980s gives a further understanding forthe transmission path of stope overburden pressure and pressure distribution in high-stress areas. In thisregard, the advanced 121 mining method was proposed with smaller coal pillar for excavation design,making significant contributions to improvement of the coal recovery rate in that era. In the 21st century,the traditional mining technologies faced great challenges and, under the theoretical developmentspioneered by Profs. Minggao Qian and Zhenqi Song, the ＂cutting cantilever beam theory＂ （CCBT） wasproposed in 2008. After that the 110 mining method is formulated subsequently, namely one stope face,after the first mining cycle, needs one advanced gateway excavation, while the other one is automaticallyformed during the last mining cycle without coal pillars left in the mining area. This method can beimplemented using the CCBT by incorporating the key technologies, including the directional presplittingroof cutting, constant resistance and large deformation （CRLD） bolt/anchor supporting systemwith negative Poisson＇s ratio （NPR） effect material, and remote real-time monitoring technology. TheCCBT and 110 mining method will provide the theoretical and technical basis for the development ofmining industry in China.

Multi-attributed decision making for mining methods based on grey system and interval numbers

In the case of unknown weights, theories of multi-attributed decision making based on interval numbers and grey related analysis were used to optimize mining methods. As the representative of independence for the indicator, the smaller the correlation of indicators is, the greater the weight is. Hence, the weights of interval numbers of indicators were determined by using correlation coefficient. Relative closeness based on positive and negative ideal methods was calculated by introducing distance between interval numbers, which made decision making more rational and comprehensive. A new method of ranking interval numbers based on normal distribution was proposed for the optimization of mining methods, whose basic properties were discussed. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of this method were verified by theories and practice.

Principles of the roof cut short-arm beam mining method (110 method) and its mining-induced stress distribution

Since the 1960 s, mining science and technology in China has experienced two technical innovations, i.e.the ‘‘Masonry Beam Theory(MBT)" and ‘‘Transfer Rock Beam Theory(TRBT)". Based on those theories, the conventional mining method(being called the 121 mining method) was established, consisting of excavating two tunnels with a pillar left for mining a working panel. However, with increasing mining depth,engineering geological disasters in the underground caverns have been frequently encountered. In addition, the use of the coal-pillar mining results in a large amount of coal resources unexploited. In order to address the problems above, the ‘‘Roof Cut Short-Arm Beam Theory(RCSBT), being called the 110 mining method)" was proposed by He Manchao in 2008. The 110 mining method features the mining of one coal seam panel, excavating necessarily only one roadway tunnel and leaving no pillars. Realization of the 110 mining method includes the following steps:(1) directional pre-splitting roof cutting,(2) supporting the roof by using high Constant Resistance Large Deformation bolt/cable(CRLD), and(3) blocking gangue by hydraulic props. This paper presents an overview of the principles, techniques and application of the 110 mining method. Special emphasis is placed on the numerical simulation of the geostress distribution found in the mining panel using the 110 method compared to that of the 121 method. In addition, the stress distribution on the ‘‘short beam" left by the roof cutting when performing the 110 method was also investigated using both numerical simulation and theoretical formulation.

Optimization model of unascertained measurement for underground mining method selection and its application

An optimization model of underground mining method selection was established on the basis of the unascertained measurement theory.Considering the geologic conditions,technology,economy and safety production,ten main factors influencing the selection of mining method were taken into account,and the comprehensive evaluation index system of mining method selection was constructed.The unascertained evaluation indices corresponding to the selected factors for the actual situation were solved both qualitatively and quantitatively.New measurement standards were constructed.Then,the unascertained measurement function of each evaluation index was established.The index weights of the factors were calculated by entropy theory,and credible degree recognition criteria were established according to the unascertained measurement theory.The results of mining method evaluation were obtained using the credible degree criteria,thus the best underground mining method was determined.Furthermore,this model was employed for the comprehensive evaluation and selection of the chosen standard mining methods in Xinli Gold Mine in Sanshandao of China.The results show that the relative superiority degrees of mining methods can be calculated using the unascertained measurement optimization model,so the optimal method can be easily determined.Meanwhile,the proposed method can take into account large amount of uncertain information in mining method selection,which can provide an effective way for selecting the optimal underground mining method.

Research and application of mechanical models for the whole process of 110 mining method roof structural movement

For the 110 mining method,it is challenging to accurately calculate the support resistance of the roadway due to the lack of understanding of the dynamic movement of the overlying strata in this method.The consequential excessive support results in a significant increase in the cost of roadway support.The authors explored the overlying strata movement and roadway deformation of the gob-entry retaining in the 110 mining method to solve this problem.First,the typical stages of the roof-cutting gob-side entry were defined.Second,the mechanical model and calculation formula of the support resistance on the roof were explored.Then,using numerical simulation software,the starting ranges of the specific supports at different stages were verified and the feasibility of the support scheme was examined.Finally,combined with the field measurement data,the stress and the deformation of the gob roadway at different stages under the influence of two mining processes in the 110 mining method were obtained.The numerical simulation results obtained are consistent with the field test results,providing a theoretical basis for precision support at different stages by the 110 mining method.

Optimization of mining method in subsea deep gold mines: A case study

The mining method optimization in subsea deep gold mines was studied. First, an index system for subsea mining method selection was established based on technical feasibility, security status, economic benefit, and management complexity. Next, an evaluation matrix containing crisp numbers and triangular fuzzy numbers(TFNs) was constructed to describe quantitative and qualitative information simultaneously. Then, a hybrid model combining fuzzy theory and the Tomada de Decis?o Interativa Multicritério(TODIM) method was proposed. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed approach was validated by an illustrative example of selecting the optimal mining method in the Sanshandao Gold Mine(China). The robustness of this approach was demonstrated through a sensitivity analysis. The results show that the proposed hybrid TODIM method is reliable and stable for choosing the optimal mining method in subsea deep gold mines and provides references for mining method optimization in other similar undersea mines.

Optimum mining method selection using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process–Qapiliq salt mine,Iran

Mining method selection is the first and the most critical problem in mine design and depends on some parameters such as geotechnical and geological features and economic and geographic factors. In this paper, the factors affecting mining method selection are determined. These factors include shape, thick- ness, depth, slope, RMR and RSS of the orebody, RMR and RSS of the hanging wall and footwall. Then, the priorities of these factors are calculated. In order to calculate the priorities of factors and select the best mining method for Qapiliq salt mine, Iran, based on these priorities, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process （AHP） technique is used. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared and was given to the associated experts. Finally, after a comparison carried out based on the effective factors, between the four mining methods including area mining, room and pillar, cut and fill and stope and pillar methods, the stope and nillar mining method was selected as the most suitable method to this mine.

Monte Carlo Analytic Hierarchy Process (MAHP) approach to selection of optimum mining method

One of the most critical and complicated steps in mine design is a selection of suitable mining method based upon geological,geotechnical,geographical,safety and economical parameters.The aim of this study is developing a Monte Carlo simulation to selection the optimum mining method by using effective and major criteria and at the same time,taking subjective judgments of decision makers into consideration.Proposed approach is based on the combination of Monte Carlo simulation with conventional Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP).Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the confdence level of each alternative’s score,is calculated by AHP,with the respect to the variance of decision makers’opinion.The proposed method is applied for Jajarm Bauxite Mine in Iran and eventually the most appropriate mining methods for this mine are ranked.

Research on the Permeability Characteristics of Granite with Different Weathering Degrees before and after the Influence of Mining Method Construction

The influence of mining method tunnel construction on the groundwater environment is a very important and complex engineering environment problem, and the strong differential weathering of water-rich granite strata increases the difficulty of this problem. In this paper, the mineral composition and microstructure characteristics of granite with different weathering degrees before and after the influence of mining method were studied by in-situ and indoor seepage tests and theoretical calculation, and the impact of mining method tunneling on granite permeability was also analyzed. Calculation results revealed that the permeability coefficient of surrounding rock at 1.1 m away from excavation face increased 41.6 times as much as the original. The permeability coefficient of moderately and strongly weathered granite increased by 6.12 and 3.33 times, respectively and the permeability also increased. The variation of the permeability coefficient of fully weathered granite was the smallest, increasing by 1.67 times, which is due to mechanical excavation of a fully weathered layer on-site, and the disturbance was far less than that caused by blasting. The scale of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) induced by mining method was determined by wave velocity test, which provides a basis for subsequent seepage field calculation and research.

A case study of multi-seam coal mine entry stability analysis with strength reduction method

In this paper,the advantage of using numerical models with the strength reduction method(SRM) to evaluate entry stability in complex multiple-seam conditions is demonstrated.A coal mine under variable topography from the Central Appalachian region is used as a case study.At this mine,unexpected roof conditions were encountered during development below previously mined panels.Stress mapping and observation of ground conditions were used to quantify the success of entry support systems in three room-and-pillar panels.Numerical model analyses were initially conducted to estimate the stresses induced by the multiple-seam mining at the locations of the affected entries.The SRM was used to quantify the stability factor of the supported roof of the entries at selected locations.The SRM-calculated stability factors were compared with observations made during the site visits,and the results demonstrate that the SRM adequately identifies the unexpected roof conditions in this complex case.It is concluded that the SRM can be used to effectively evaluate the likely success of roof supports and the stability condition of entries in coal mines.

A method to calculate displacement factors using SVM

In order to improve the precision of mining subsidence prediction, a mathematical model using Support Vector Machine （SVM） was established to calculate the displacement factor. The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting the displacement factor, such as mechanical properties of the cover rock, the ratio of mining depth to seam thickness, dip angle of the coal seam and the thickness of loose layer. Data of 63 typical observation stations were used as a training and testing sample set. A SVM regression model of the displacement factor and the factors affecting it was established with a kernel function, an insensitive loss factor and a properly selected penalty factor. Given an accurate calculation algorithm for testing and analysis, the results show that an SVM regression model can calcu- late displacement factor precisely and reliable precision can be obtained which meets engineering requirements. The experimental results show that the method to calculation of the displacement factor, based on the SVM method, is feasible. The many factors affecting the displacement factor can be consid- ered with this method. The research provides an efficient and accurate approach for the calculation of displacement in mining subsidence orediction.

Study on the economic mining method for the close quarter coal seams with thin rock sheet

The paper presents the mining method for the close quarter coal seams with thin rock sheet, that is mining the low coal seam, recovering the top coal seam after putting down the roof rock of the low coal seam. Practice has proved that in recovering the top coal outside the face width after the rock between seams falls naturally or is demolished, the technology is simple, easy to operate and does not make a great demand for technical equipment. In the process of recovering the top coal, the low seam support could not be affected seriously, and two seams mining could be coordinated. Compared with the individual mining method, this mining method can produce a better economic benefit.

The new method of prediction on mining subsidence and deformation

A new probability function of mining overlying strata and subsidence is put forward that has a general statistical significance based on the ideal stochastic medium displacement model. It establishes a new system of prediction on horizontal mining subsidence and deformation, which gives a new method for prediction on mining subsidence and deformation.

Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Tunnel Construction by Mining Method on the Seepage Field in Weathered Granite Stratum

In actual space, considering the heterogeneity and anisotropy of rock and soil, the difference of hydrogeological conditions and the influence of tunnel excavation, tunnel seepage problem is a very complex three-dimensional seepage problem, which is very difficult to solve. The equivalent continuum model is one of the most commonly simplified models used in solving tunnel seepage problems. In this paper, the finite element software ABAQUS and the research results are used to establish a seepage numerical calculation model, study the influence of mining method construction on the seepage field in weathered granite, and clarify the influence of each stage of mining method construction on the groundwater environment. On this basis, the sensitivity of the seepage field to various factors such as natural environment, engineering geology and hydrogeology, tunnel construction and so on is analyzed, which provides a basis to establish the evaluation system of groundwater environment negative effect in weathered granite stratum by mining method tunnel construction.

The Research of thick seam mining methods

China＇s total coal reserves are enormous, in which recoverable reserves of coal seam thickness ofmineable coal reserves in China accounted for 43% of recoverable reserves When correctly using thick seam mining, mining methods can improve the proper thick seam mining rate and reduce coal loss. Using proper thick seam mining method can effectively reduce the thick seam mining costs. In mining safety, the use of appropriate thick seam mining methods can effectively prevent thick seam mining accidents. But in the process of development and current situation from the perspective of the Chinese coal mining, there are certain aspects of thick seam mining problems. These problems are mainly in the thick seam mining and the coal recovery rate is low, resulting in lots of waste coal. Besides, thick coal mining is less secure, safe and there are frequent accidents. These problems have seriously affected the thick seam mining. And a lot of thick coal seams of coal resources can not be effectively taken out. Now Chinese mining methods in thick seam mining areas are mainly open-pit mining and underground mining exploitation. Because of the open-pit coal burial depth has more stringent requirements, only used in shallow-depth areas. Underground mining is the primary way China is now using in thick seam mining. Underground mining methods include full-height slice mining and mechanized mining caving mining method once adopted. Research on these thick seam mining methods can provide theoretical and technical support for thick seam mining, thick seam mining techniques to enhance the level . I will combine the current situation of thick seam mining in Chinese study with thick seam mining methods, comments and suggestions for the current thick seam mining study

Safe mining technology of undersea metal mine

Xinli district of Sanshandao Gold Mine is the first subsea metal mine in China.To achieve 6 kt/d production capacity under the premise of safe mining,high-intensity mining might destroy the in-situ stress filed and the stability of rockmass.According to sampling and testing of ore-rock and backfill and in-situ stress field measurement,safety factor method calculation model based on stress-strain strength reduction at arbitrary points and Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion was established and limit displacement subsidence values under the safety factor of different limit stoping steps were calculated.The results from three years in-situ mining and strata movement monitoring using multi-point displacements meter showed that the lower settlement frame stope hierarchical level filling mining method,mining sequence are reasonable and rockmass stability evaluation using safety factor method,in-situ real-time monitoring can provide the technical foundation for the safety of seabed mining.

Cancelling ore pillars in large-scale coastal gold deposit: A case study in Sanshandao gold mine, China

According to the actual conditions in Sanshandao Gold Mine, the cancelling ore pillars mining method was researched. Firstly, a series of tests for the physical and mechanical characteristics of rock mass were carried out and a quality classification system of rock mass applied in coastal metal deposit was established. Secondly, the reasonable demarcation depth of cancelling ore pillars was simulated using the finite element method, and the simulation results show that the ore pillars can be cancelled below the level of-555 m. Thirdly, a novel layer-backfill mining method of room-pillar alternation was designed to reduce the disturbance and settlement of terrain in mining area. Engineering practice shows that the new mining method enhanced the mining output and relieved rock disturbance. Furthermore, the settlement of the roof strata was small and no disaster occurred. The new mining technology effectively controlled the deformation of the terrain, indicating that the mining of the large-scale gold coastal deposit in Sanshandao Gold Mine was achieved safely, efficiently, and with a low loss rate.

Key technologies and equipment for a fully mechanized top-coal caving operation with a large mining height at ultra-thick coal seams

Thick and ultra-thick coal seams are main coal seams for high production rate and high efficiency in Chinese coal mines, which accounts for 44 % of the total minable coal reserve. A fully mechanized top-coal caving mining method is a main underground coal extraction method for ultra-thick coal seams. The coal extraction technologies for coal seams less than 14 m thick were extensively used in China. However, for coal seams with thickness greater than 14 m, there have been no reported cases in the world for underground mechanical extraction with safe performance, high efficiency and high coal recovery ratio. To deal with this case, China Coal Technology ＆ Engineering Group, Datong Coal Mine Group, and other 15 organizations in China launched a fundamental and big project to develop coal mining technologies and equipment for coal seams with thicknesses greater than 14 m. After the completion of the project, a coal extraction method was developed for top-coal caving with a large mining height, as well as a ground control theory for ultra-thick coal seams. In addition, the mining technology for top-coal caving with a large mining height, the ground support technology for roadway in coal seams with a large cross-section, and the prevention and control technology for gas and fire hazards were developed and applied. Furthermore, a hydraulic support with a mining height of 5.2 m, a shearer with high reliability, and auxiliary equipment were developed and manufactured. Practical implication on the technologies and equipment developed was successfully completed at the No. 8105 coal face in the Tashan coal mine, Datong, China. The major achievements of the project are summarized as follows： 1. A top-coal caving method for ultra-thick coal seams is proposed with a cutting height of 5 m and a top-coal caving height of 15 m. A structural mechanical model of overlying strata called cantilever beam-articulated rock beam is established. Based on the model, the load resistance of the hydraulic support with a large mining height for top-coal caving method is determined. With the analysis, the movement characteristics of the top coal and above strata are evaluated during top-coal caving operation at the coal face with a large mining height. Furthermore, there is successful development of comprehensive technologies for preventing and controlling spalling of the coal wall, and the top-coal caving technology with high efficiency and high recovery at the top-coal caving face with a large mining height. This means that the technologies developed have overcome the difficulties in strata control, top-coal caving with high efficiency and high coal recovery, and enabled to achieve a production rate of more than 10 Mtpa at a single top-coal caving face with a large mining height in ultra-thick coal seams; 2. A hydraulic support with 5.2 m supporting height and anti-rockburst capacity, a shearer with high reliability, a scraper conveyor with a large power at the back of face, and a large load and long distance headgate belt conveyor have been successfully developed for a top-coal caving face with large mining height. The study has developed the key technologies for improving the reliability of equipment at the coal face and has overcome the challenges in equipping the top-coal caving face with a large mining height in ultra-thick coal seams; 3. The deformation characteristics of a large cross-section roadway in ultra-thick coal seams are discovered. Based on the findings above, a series of bolt materials with a high yielding strength of 500-830 MPa and a high extension ratio, and cable bolt material with a 1 × 19 structure, large tonnage and high extension ratio are developed. In addition, in order to achieve a safe roadway and a fast face advance, installation equipment for high pre-tension bolt is developed to solve the problems with the support of roadway in coal seams for top-coal caving operation with a large mining height; 4. The characteristics of gas distribution and uneven emission at top-coal caving face with large mining height in ultra-thick coal seams are evaluated. With the application of the technologies of gas drainage in the roof, the difficulties in gas control for high intensive top-coal caving mining operations, known as ＂low gas content, high gas emission＂, are solved. In addition, large flow-rate underground mobile equipment for making nitrogen are developed to solve the problems with fire prevention and safe mining at a top-coal caving face with large mining height and production rate of more than 10 Mtpa. A case study to apply the developed technologies has been conducted at the No. 8105 face, the Tashan coal mine in Datong, China. The case study demonstrates that the three units of equipment, i.e., the support, shearer and scraper conveyor, are rationally equipped. Average equipment usage at the coal face is 92.1%. The coal recovery ratio at the coal face is up to 88.9 %. In 2011, the coal production at the No. 8105 face reached 10.849 Mtpa, exceeding the target of 10 Mtpa for a topcoal caving operation with large mining height performed by Chinese-made mining equipment. The technologies and equipment developed provide a way for extracting ultra-thick coal seams. Currently, the technologies and equipment are used in 13 mining areas in China including Datong, Pingshuo, Shendong and Xinjiang. With the exploitation of coal resources in Western China, there is great potential for the application of the technologies and equipment developed.

Research progress and development trends of highway tunnels in China

The highway tunnel system in China has in recent years surpassed Europe, the United States, and other developed countries in terms of mileage, scale, complexity, and technical achievement. Much scientific research has been conducted, and the results have greatly facilitated the rapid development of China＇s highway tunnel building capacity. This article presents the historical development of highway tunneling in China, according to specific charac- teristics based on construction and operation. It provides a systematic analysis of the major achievements and chal- lenges with respect to construction techniques, operation, monitoring, repair, and maintenance. Together with future trends of highway tunneling in China, suggestions have been made for further research, and development prospects have been identified with the for a Chinese-style highway aim of laying the foundation tunnel construction method and technical architecture.