The future of underground spatial planning and the resulting potential risks from the point of view of mining subsidence engineering

The topic of ground movements in Germany has been studied extensively in the past,especially in the field of active mines.The active hard coal mines in Germany were finally shut down in 2018 and lignite mining is expected to take place only until 2038.The so-called long-term liabilities of the mine operators in Germany include,among other things,the long-term guarantee of stability and thus the monitoring of ground motion.So far,the economic use of underground mining in Germany was mainly the supply of raw materials.In the future,the underground storage of compressed air,methane or hydrogen will play an important role in renewable energy supply and climate change.Therefore,the underground storage space will become more important and the spatial planning is essential to ensure availability of safe underground openings for the various options of environmentally friendly energy storage.However,this renewed usage of underground openings may also bring new and sometimes unknown challenges of geomechanical influence.The aftermath of hard coal and lignite mining will be an increasing challenge in mining subsidence engineering.On the other hand,new possibilities due to underground spatial planning may lead to subsidence and/or heaving of the upper surface.

Application of micro-seismic monitoring technology in mining engineering

Micro-seismic phenomena, occurring when rock masses are subjected to forces and failures, allow the determination of their unstable states and failure zones by analyzing micro-seismic signals. We first present the principles of micro-seismic monitoring and location, as well as an underground explosion-proof micro-seismic monitoring system. Given a practical engineering application, we describe the application of micro-seismic monitoring technology in determining the height of a "two-zone" overburden, i.e., a caving zone and a fracture zone, the width of a coal-pillar section and the depth of failure of a floor. The workfaces monitored accomplished safe and highly efficient mining based on our micro-seismic monitoring results and provide direct proof of the reliability and validity of micro-seismic monitoring technology.

Study on the random simulation times of mining engineering reliability

The theory of Monte-Carlo simulation method is that the event happened probability was estimated by happened frequency in the experiments. So it is very im-portant to ascertain the times of simulation. The probability and statistic theory are used to determine the optimal simulation times through strict mathematic reasoning. The study of two cases is made to show the availability of the presented method, and some relative problems were discussed.

USING SYSTEM SIMULATION METHOD AND CAD TECHNIQUE TO SOLVE THE MINING ENGINEERING RELIABILITY IN SURFACE MINES

Subjected to various stochastic factors, surface mining engineering reliability is difficult to solve by using general reliability mathematical method.The concept of reliability measurement is introduced; And the authors have combined system simulation method with CAD technique and developed an interactive color character graphic design system for evaluating and solving the mining engineering reliability in surface mines under the given constraints.

Additive manufacturing technology in mining engineering research

Nowadays,additive manufacturing,or 3D printing(3DP),though not a new technology in many industrial fields,is still relatively novel in mining engineering.This study explored the application of 3D metal printing,3D polylactic acid/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene printing,and 3D concrete printing in coal mining.Some examples of physical models established via 3DP technologies were studied in detail,namely,3DP bolts,3DP steel ladder beams,3DP face plates,and 3DP metal arches,which were installed in scaled 3DP concrete prototype models of coal mine excavation.Through the comprehensive laboratory loading tests,the models could simulate the damage scenario highly similar to the real failures.The results show that the 3D printed physical models greatly improved the accuracy and reliability of experiments.On this basis,the conceptual design of a 3DP machine for physical models was proposed,which had the potential of resembling the strata deformation/collapse in natural scenarios.Through assessing the applicability of the additive manufacturing technology in mining engineering,this study aimed to further explore its potential applicability in other engineering contexts such as slope controlling,large underground engineering,and underground space stability.

THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE MINING ENGINEERING AND ITS APPLICATION

There are a lot of uncertainties in the mining engineering, and they make a notable impact on the engineering. The uncertainties of the physical and mechanical properties of geotectonic mass, the surrounding rock stability, the nature condition, the equipment operation, the personnel and the external environment are proposed and described. The stochastic analysis should be widely used for considering the impacts of the uncertainty on the mining engineering. The economical risk analysis and the stochastic index system should also be set up in the mining engineering.

Using deep neural networks coupled with principal component analysis for ore production forecasting at open-pit mines

Ore production is usually affected by multiple influencing inputs at open-pit mines.Nevertheless,the complex nonlinear relationships between these inputs and ore production remain unclear.This becomes even more challenging when training data(e.g.truck haulage information and weather conditions)are massive.In machine learning(ML)algorithms,deep neural network(DNN)is a superior method for processing nonlinear and massive data by adjusting the amount of neurons and hidden layers.This study adopted DNN to forecast ore production using truck haulage information and weather conditions at open-pit mines as training data.Before the prediction models were built,principal component analysis(PCA)was employed to reduce the data dimensionality and eliminate the multicollinearity among highly correlated input variables.To verify the superiority of DNN,three ANNs containing only one hidden layer and six traditional ML models were established as benchmark models.The DNN model with multiple hidden layers performed better than the ANN models with a single hidden layer.The DNN model outperformed the extensively applied benchmark models in predicting ore production.This can provide engineers and researchers with an accurate method to forecast ore production,which helps make sound budgetary decisions and mine planning at open-pit mines.

Deformation characteristics and reinforcement technology for entry subjected to mining-induced stresses

The entry at Zhangcun coal mine in Lu＇an coal mining area in Shanxi Province suffered from severe mining-induced stresses with the heading face driven oppositely to an adjacent working face. In this paper, the characteristics of deformation and failure of the entry were investigated in terms of the tempo-spatial relations between heading and working faces through field study and numerical modeling. The three-dimensional （3D） finite difference models were built to investigate stresses, displacements and damages in the surrounding rocks of the entry and the working face. The field study includes selection of reinforcing methods and materials, design parameters, and determination of cable prestress. The monitoring data of entry deformation and stress along the cables during every stage were presented. The state of the reinforced entry was evaluated based on the monitoring data. The results demonstrate that before the heading face of the entry crosses the adjacent working face, the influence of advanced abutment pressure caused by adjacent working face upon the entry is not significant. After they cross each other, however, the lateral abutment pressure will have an evident impact on the entry. The displacement rate of the entry will be greatly increased and reaches a certain value within a certain distance between the heading face and the working face. Then, it will increase again with the presence of secondary mining-induced pressure on the entry when the present working face advances. The fully-grouted cable with short length, high strength and high prestress is an effective way to reinforce the entry suffering from severe mining-induced stresses, which greatly reduces the displacement and failure possibility of the entry. Finally, the principles and recommendations for reinforcing design of entries suffering from severe mining-induced stresses were proposed according to field study, numerical modeling and experiences from other coal mines. Problems encountered in field study and suggestions for reinforcement were also discussed.

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.

New developments of technology in rock engineering in China

In terms of rock engineering and technology in hydropower construction,the slope stability and monitoring techniques for high slopes of Three Gorges Project,the stability and support technology for high slopes of hydropower projects in deep river valley,the stabilization techniques for underground cavern group with large span and high side walls are introduced in this paper.As for rock engineering and technology in highway and railway construction,the Qinghai-Tibet Railway — new construction techniques in permafrost,the support techniques for large squeezing deformation in Wuqiaoling Tunnel,the construction techniques for tunnels in alpine and high-altitude region,the geological prediction techniques for tunnels in karst region,the microseismic monitoring and early warning techniques for rockbursts in deep and long tunnels are presented.For rock engineering and technology inmining engineering,the innovative techniques for roadway support inmines,the simultaneous extraction technique of pillarless coal and gas in coal seams with low permeability,the safe and efficient deep openmining technology,advances in monitoring,early warning and treatment ofmine dynamic disasters are discussed.In addition,the new anchorage techniques and precision blasting technique in rock engineering are introduced.

Design of comprehensive test system for detecting overlying strata mining-induced fractures on surface with radon gas

Based on radon gas properties and its existing projects applications, we firstly attempted to apply geo- physical and chemical properties of radon gas in the field of mining engineering, and imported radioac- tive measurement method to detect the development process of the overlying strata mining-induced fractures and their contained water quality in underground coal mining, which not only innovates a more simple-fast-reliable detection method, but also further expands the applications of radon gas detection technology in mining field. A 3D simulation design of comprehensive testing system for detecting strata mining-induced fractures on surface with radon gas (CTSR) was carried out by using a large-scale 3D solid model design software Pro/Engineer (Pro/E), which overcame three main disadvantages of ''static design thought, 2D planar design and heavy workload for remodification design'' on exiting design for mining engineering test systems. Meanwhile, based on the simulation design results of Pro/E software, the sta- bility of the jack-screw pressure bar for the key component in CTSR was checked with a material mechan- ics theory, which provided a reliable basis for materials selection during the latter machining process.

Discussion on the Teaching of“Metallic Mineral Processing”for Mineral Processing Engineering

Social economic growth and the increasing demand for mineral resources have promoted the development of metallic mineral processing technology.Therefore,in order to satisfy the demands for development in mining,cultivating comprehensive mineral processing engineering professionals with strong innovative practical skills has become the top priority in current education.We have established a new course,“Metallic Mineral Processing,”for students majoring in mineral processing engineering in universities,with coal and other sources of energy as the main focus.This paper analyzes the purpose and significance of setting up this course and the exploration of the reform of the teaching mode,with the aim of improving the teaching quality and ensuring the cultivation of mineral processing engineering undergraduates.

Prospects for the transformation and development of carbon storage in abandoned mines of coal enterprises from the perspective ofcarbon neutrality

Under the carbon neutrality goal,coal enterprises must seek breakthroughs from abandoned mines,develop new resources in the new era,turn problems into countermeasures,and participate in the carbon emissions market,for contributing to the accomplishment of the national strategic goal of carbon neutrality.To this end,we investigated the relevant national policies and regulations to clarify the boundaries disclosed by the carbon information of enterprises,understood the development direction of carbon storage in abandoned mines,and clarified the transformation and development of carbon storage in aban-doned mines.We made a few suggestions:(1)China should learn from its past experience and other countries to develop the energy industry with Chinese characteristics and reform the economic system.(2)Coal enterprises must actively respond to the national carbon information disclosure policy,clarify their own responsibilities and carbon emission boundaries.(3)It is necessary to proactively obtain advanced knowledge and plan carbon storage pathways for abandoned mines.(4)Devel-opment problems of coal enterprises should be deduced using cases.The'dual carbon'goals should be achieved steadily step-by-step.(5)Three measures,i.e.improving the existing resource structure,coordinating the information of abandoned mines,and promoting the cultivation of scientific and technological talents.

Prediction of rockburst classification using Random Forest

The method of Random Forest （RF） was used to classify whether rockburst will happen and the intensity of rockburst in the underground rock projects. Some main control factors of rockburst, such as the values of in-situ stresses, uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength of rock, and the elastic energy index of rock, were selected in the analysis. The traditional indicators were summarized and divided into indexes I and 1I. Random Forest model and criterion were obtained through training 36 sets of rockburst samples which come from underground rock projects in domestic and abroad. Another 10 samples were tested and evaluated with the model. The evaluated results agree well with the practical records. Comparing the results of support vector machine （SVM） method, and artificial neural network （ANN） method with random forest method, the corresponding misjudgment ratios are 10%, 20%, and 0, respectively. The misjudgment ratio using index I is smaller than that using index II. It is suggested that using the index I and RF model can accurately classify rockburst grade.

Numerical simulation of the effect of coupling support of bolt-mesh-anchor in deep tunnel

The mechanical effects of bolt-mesh-anchor coupling support in deep tunnels were studied by using a numerical method, based on deep tunnel coupling supporting techniques and non-linear deformation mechanical theory of rock mass at great depths.It is shown that the potential of a rigid bolt support can be efficiently activated through the coupling effect between a bolt-net support and the surrounding rock.It is found that the accumulated plastic energy in the surrounding rock can be sufficiently transformed by the coupling effect of a bolt-mesh-tray support.The strength of the surrounding rock mass can be mobilized to control the deforma-tion of the surrounding rock by a pre-stress and time-space effect of the anchor support.The high stress transformation effect can be realized by the mechanical coupling effect of the bolt-mesh-anchor support, whereby the force of the support and deformation of the surrounding rock tends to become uniform, leading to a sustained stability of the tunnel.

Rock burst induced by roof breakage and its prevention

Based on the research on rock burst phenomenon induced by the breakage of thick and hard roof around roadways and working faces in coal mines, a criterion of rock burst induced by roof breakage （RBRB） was proposed and the model was built. Through the model, a method calculating the varied stresses induced by roof breakage in support objects and coal body was proposed and a unified formula was derived for the calculation of stress increment on support objects and coal body under different breaking forms of roof. Whilst the formula for calculating dynamic load was derived by introducing dynamic index Kd. The formula was verified in Huating Mine by stress measurement. According to the formula for stress increment calculating, the sensitivities of dynamic load parameters were further studied. The results show that the thickness and breaking depth of roof, width of support objeet are the sensitive factors. Based on the discussion of the model, six associated effective methods for rock burst prevention are obtained.

Using particle swarm optimization algorithm in an artificial neural network to forecast the strength of paste filling material

In order to forecast the strength of filling material exactly, the main factors affecting the strength of filling material are analyzed. The model of predicting the strength of filling material was established by applying the theory of artificial neural net- works. Based on cases related to our test data of filling material, the predicted results of the model and measured values are com- pared and analyzed. The results show that the model is feasible and scientifically justified to predict the strength of filling material, which provides a new method for forecasting the strength of filling material for paste filling in coal mines.

Mechanical property and permeability of raw coal containing methane under unloading confining pressure

Based on domestic-developed triaxial servo-controlled seepage equipment for thermal-hydrologicalmechanical coupling of coal containing methane,an experimental study was carried out to investigate mechanical property and gas permeability of raw coal,under the situation of conventional triaxial compression and unloading confining pressure tests in different gas pressure conditions.Triaxial unloading confining pressure process was reducing confining pressure while increasing axial pressure.The research results show that,compared with the peak intensity of conventional triaxial loading,the ultimate strength of coal samples of triaxial unloading confining pressure was lower,deformation under loading was far less than unloading,dilation caused by unloading was more obvious than loading.The change trend of volumetric strain would embody change of gas permeability of coal,the permeability first reduced along with volumetric strain increase,and then raised with volume strain decrease,furthermore,the change trends of permeability of coal before and after destruction were different in the stage of decreasing volume strain due to the effect of gas pressure.When gas pressure was greater,the effective confining pressure was smaller,and the radial deformation produced by unloading was greater.When the unloading failed confining pressure difference was smaller,coal would be easier to get unstable failure.

Position-optimization on retained entry and backfilling wall in gob-side entry retaining techniques

This study investigates the stability problem of gob-side entry retaining （GER） and backfilling wall which located under the key block B. Based on the combined research of elastic-plastic mechanics, structure mechanics and modern theory of mining-induced pressure, the caving characteristic and roof structure over the GER were analyzed, and the vertical force and the torque on retained entry roof were also derived as the position for the retained entry varies. On the basis of the specific geology in Huainan mining area, the results indicate that a relatively more stable position for retained entry neighbors the hinge point of block A and B, and it also located at a scope ranging from this point to the one-third length of block B in horizontal direction. As to appropriate position for backfilling wall, this study recommends partial- road-in backfilling method for GER. Field trial conducted at panel face 12418 of Xieqiao Mine demonstrates that the recommended width for original entry is 3.6 m and the preferred width proportion between original retained entry and original entry is 75 % or so whereas the avoidable one is 88 % or so. These findings provide qualitative references to the mines which share similar geology as what Huainan mining area characterized.

Ground movement mechanism in tectonic stress metal mines with steep structure planes

When mining metal mines with steep structure planes by the caving method,there is a mechanical model in which the horizontal stress on the rock mass is simplified as a column before surface subsidence.The model is used to deduce critical support load and limiting column length for a given horizontal stress and support pressure.Considering the impact of the column effect,a method is proposed to determine the movement of the ground and caving area in a mine.After surface subsidence,the horizontal stress on a surrounding rock mass can be simplified to a cantilever beam mechanical model.Expressions for its bending fracture length are deduced,and a method is given to determine its stability.On this basis,an explanation for the large ground movement and subsidence scope was given.A case study shows that the damage effect of column and cantilever beam is significant for ground movement in metal-ore mine,and an appropriate correction value should be applied when designing for its angle of ground movements.