Mechanism,prevention,and control of mining-induced dynamic disasters in underground metal mines in China:Challenges and solutions

Metal mineral resources play an indispensable role in the development of the national economy.Dynamic disasters in underground metal mines seriously threaten mining safety,which are major scientific and technological problems to be solved urgently.In this article,the occurrence status and grand challenges of some typical dynamic disasters involving roof falling,spalling,collapse,large deformation,rockburst,surface subsidence,and water inrush in metal mines in China are systematically presented,the characteristics of mining-induced dynamic disasters are analyzed,the examples of dynamic disasters occurring in some metal mines in China are summarized,the occurrence mechanism,monitoring and early warning methods,and prevention and control techniques of these disasters are highlighted,and some new opinions,suggestions,and solutions are proposed simultaneously.Moreover,some shortcomings in current disaster research are pointed out,and the direction of efforts to improve the prevention and control level of dynamic disasters in China’s metal mines in the future is prospected.The integration of forward-looking key innovative theories and technologies in the abovementioned aspects will greatly enhance the cognitive level of disaster prevention and mitigation in China’s metal mining industry and achieve a significant shift from passive disaster relief to active disaster prevention.

蛋白质折叠的计算机模拟

使用非格点朗之万模型和“Go型”氨基酸相互作用模拟了4个小分子量快速折叠蛋白质的折叠行为。从动力学和热力学两方面的探讨中,得到蛋白质CI2的折叠属于两态过程和蛋白质CheY的折叠过程存在中间态和蛋白质1BBL的折叠属于无势垒的“下山”式过程,而蛋白质片断1BDD(第10至第55残基)的折叠则是介于两态过程和“下山”式过程的中间类型。由于使用了相同的模型,物理机制上这些不同折叠类型显然来自蛋白质不同的天然态拓扑结构。

Predicting pillar stability for underground mine using Fisher discriminant analysis and SVM methods

The purpose of this study is to apply some statistical and soft computing methods such as Fisher discriminant analysis （FDA） and support vector machines （SVMs） methodology to the determination of pillar stability for underground mines selected from various coal and stone mines by using some index and mechanical properties, including the width, the height, the ratio of the pillar width to its height, the uniaxial compressive strength of the rock and pillar stress. The study includes four main stages： sampling, testing, modeling and assessment of the model performances. During the modeling stage, two pillar stability prediction models were investigated with FDA and SVMs methodology based on the statistical learning theory. After using 40 sets of measured data in various mines in the world for training and testing, the model was applied to other 6 data for validating the trained proposed models. The prediction results of SVMs were compared with those of FDA as well as the measured field values. The general performance of models developed in this study is close; however, the SVMs exhibit the best performance considering the performance index with the correct classification rate Prs by re-substitution method and Pcv by cross validation method. The results show that the SVMs approach has the potential to be a reliable and practical tool for determination of pillar stability for underground mines.

黔南白裤瑶传统建筑演变解析--以荔波瑶山乡为例

文章从荔波瑶山乡白裤瑶的"下山"迁徙史入手,对当地传统建筑演化类型进行分类并梳理其演变脉络,探析其演变规律,借此初步了解其民族发展史及其民族特质,为深入的保护与研究提供基础。

Improved tilt-depth method for fast estimation of top and bottom depths of magnetic bodies

The tilt-depth method can be used to make fast estimation of the top depth of magnetic bodies. However, it is unable to estimate bottom depths and its every inversion point only has a single solution. In order to resolve such weaknesses, this paper presents an improved tilt-depth method based on the magnetic anomaly expression of vertical contact with a finite depth extent, which can simultaneously estimate top and bottom depths of magnetic bodies. In addition, multiple characteristic points are selected on the tilt angle map for joint computation to improve reliability of inversion solutions. Two- and three- dimensional model tests show that this improved tilt-depth method is effective in inverting buried depths of top and bottom bodies, and has a higher inversion precision for top depths than the conventional method. The improved method is then used to process aeromagnetic data over the Changling Fault Depression in the Songliao Basin, and inversion results of top depths are found to be more accurate for actual top depths of volcanic rocks in two nearby drilled wells than those using the conventional tilt-depth method.

Sensor deployment strategy for chain-type wireless underground mine sensor network

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are very important for monitoring underground mine safety. Sensor node deployment affects the performances of WSNs. In our study, a chain-type wireless underground mine sensor network (CWUMSN) is first pre- sented. A CWUMSN can monitor the environment and locate miners in underground mines. The lowest density deployment strate- gies of cluster head nodes are discussed theoretically. We prove that the lifetime of CWUMSN with a non-uniform deployment strategy is longer than with a uniform deployment strategy. Secondly, we present the algorithm of non-uniform lowest density de- ployment of cluster head nodes. Next, we propose a dynamic choice algorithm of cluster head nodes for CWUMSN which can im- prove the adaptability of networks. Our experiments of CWUMSN with both non-uniform lowest density and uniform lowest den- sity deployments are simulated. The results show that the lifetime of CWUMSN with non-uniform lowest density deployment is almost 2.5 times as long as that of the uniform lowest density deployment. This work provides a new deployment strategy for wire- less underground mine sensor networks and then effectively promotes the application of wireless sensor networks to underground mines.

3-D fracture network dynamic simulation based on error analysis in rock mass of dam foundation

Accurate 3-D fracture network model for rock mass in dam foundation is of vital importance for stability,grouting and seepage analysis of dam foundation.With the aim of reducing deviation between fracture network model and measured data,a 3-D fracture network dynamic modeling method based on error analysis was proposed.Firstly,errors of four fracture volume density estimation methods(proposed by ODA,KULATILAKE,MAULDON,and SONG)and that of four fracture size estimation methods(proposed by EINSTEIN,SONG and TONON)were respectively compared,and the optimal methods were determined.Additionally,error index representing the deviation between fracture network model and measured data was established with integrated use of fractal dimension and relative absolute error(RAE).On this basis,the downhill simplex method was used to build the dynamic modeling method,which takes the minimum of error index as objective function and dynamically adjusts the fracture density and size parameters to correct the error index.Finally,the 3-D fracture network model could be obtained which meets the requirements.The proposed method was applied for 3-D fractures simulation in Miao Wei hydropower project in China for feasibility verification and the error index reduced from 2.618 to 0.337.

DPM dissipation experiment at MST＇s experimental mine and comparison with CFD simulation

Diesel Particulate Matter （DPM） is regulated in the U.S. for both underground coal and metal/nonmetal mines. Today, many underground mines still face difficulty in compliance with DPM regulations. The DPM research carried out in Missouri University of Science and Technology （MST） is to use computational fluid dynamics （CFD） to study the DPM distribution in commonly used face areas. The result is expected to be used for selection of DPM reduction strategies and better working practices, which can help the underground mines to meet regulation limits and improve the working environment for the miners. An experiment was conducted at MST＇s Experimental Mine to validate CFD simulation. DPM was collected at four locations downstream of a stationary diesel engine. The experiment data were then compared with the CFD simulation results. The comparison shows that CFD simulation can forecast the location of DPM concentration with practical accuracy （less than 0.15 m）. CFD can be used to further study DPM distribution in commonly used working faces and give guidance to DPM reduction.

Design of a Mobile Mechanism for Missing Miner Search Robots in Underground Mines

A mobile mechanism with four tracked-units for a missing miner search robot (MMSR) is presented, with a design based on the terrain features and atrocious environment of an underground mine. Its structure and working prin- ciple is discussed. The four tracked-units are controlled independently and driven cooperatively. By means of two DC motors being controlled respectively, one tracked-unit can accomplish two types of driving mode: tracked travel and in- tegral unit legged rotation (IULR), forming a track-legged compound function mechanism. Its capabilities of surmount- ing obstacles and its toppling stability in underground mines have also been analyzed. The results show that the mobile mechanism can directly surmount an obstacle of the height less than the length of one tracked-unit and get across a raceway with a span less than the length of one tracked-unit by using tracked travel and IULR. Its unstable slope angle is 51.3°. Toppling stability is determined by its structural size, moving direction and slope angle. IULR of four tracked-units can adjust the robot’s posture and then enhance toppling stability or assist in surmounting obstacles. Its track-legged compound function mechanism makes it suitable for working in underground mines.

Occurrence, predication, and control of coal burst events in the U.S.

Coal burst represented a major hazard for some U.S. mining operations. This paper provides an historical review of the coal burst hazards,identifies the fundamental geological factors associated with these events,and discusses mechanisms that can be used to avoid their occurrences. Coal burst are not common in most underground mines. Their occurrence almost always has such dramatic consequences to a mining operation that changes in practice are required. Fundamental factors influencing coal burst events include strong strata,abnormal strata caving,elevated stresses,critical size pillars and the lack of sufficiently sized barrier pillars during extraction. These factors interact to produce excessive stress,seismic shock and loss of confinement mechanisms. Over the 90 years of dealing with these hazards,many novel prevention controls have been developed including novel mine designs and extraction sequences,most of which are site specific in their application. Without an accurate assessment of the fundamental factors that influence coal burst and knowledge of their mechanisms of occurrence,control techniques may be misapplied and risk inadequately mitigated.

Developments and prospects of microseismic monitoring technology in underground metal mines in China

Microseismic monitoring technology has become an important technique to assess stability of rock mass in metal mines.Due to the special characteristics of underground metal mines in China,including the high tectonic stress,irregular shape and existence of ore body,and complex mining methods,the application of microseismic technology is more diverse in China compared to other countries,and is more challenging than in other underground structures such as tunnels,hydropower stations and coal mines.Apart from assessing rock mass stability and ground pressure hazards induced by mining process,blasting,water inrush and large scale goaf,microseismic technology is also used to monitor illegal mining,and track personnel location during rescue work.Moreover,microseismic data have been used to optimize mining parameters in some metal mines.The technology is increasingly used to investigate cracking mechanism in the design of rock mass supports.In this paper,the application,research development and related achievements of microseismic technology in underground metal mines in China are summarized.By considering underground mines from the perspective of informatization,automation and intelligentization,future studies should focus on intelligent microseismic data processing method,e.g.,signal identification of microseismic and precise location algorithm,and on the research and development of microseismic equipment.In addition,integrated monitoring and collaborative analysis for rock mass response caused by mining disturbance will have good prospects for future development.

Research on mechanism of groundwater pollution from mine water in abandoned mines

In order to understand the mechanism and regularity of the groundwater contamination from mine water of abandoned mines, experiments were conducted on an abandoned coal mine in Fuxin, a representative city with lots of mine water in northeast China. The groundwater pollution from different contaminants of coal-mining voids （total hardness, SO4^2-, CI^- and total Fe） and pollution factors transportation situation in the coal rock were simulated by soil column experiment under the conditions of mine water leaching and main water leaching （similar to rainwater leaching）, and the water-rock interaction mechanism was discussed during mine water infiltration through saturated coal rock by application of principle of mass conservation, based on physical properties of coal rock, as well as monitored chemical composition. The results show that, compared with the clear water leaching process, trends of change in pollutant concentrations presented different characteristics in the mine water leaching process. Groundwater is contaminated by the water rock interactions such as migration ＆ accumulation, adsorption ＆ transformation, dissolution ＆ desorption and ion exchange during the mine water permeation. The experiments also suggest that at first dissolution rate of some kinds of dissoluble salts is high, but it decreases with leaching time, even to zero during both the mine water leaching and main water leaching.

Inflatable rock bolt bond strength versus rock mass rating (RMR)： A comparative analysis of pull-out testing data from underground mines in Nevada

The purpose of this paper is to establish confidence in anticipated minimum bond strength for inflatable rock bolts by comparing the bond strength to variable geotechnical conditions using the rock mass rating （RMR） system. To investigate a correlation between these parameters, the minimum bond strength of pull-out tested inflatable rock bolts was compared to the RMR of the rock in which these bolts were placed. Bond strength vs. RMR plots indicate that expected minimum bond strength is positively corre- lated with RMR; however, the correlation is not strong. Cumulative percent graphs indicate that 97~; of pull-out tests result in a minimum bond strength of 3.3 and 1.7 ton/m in RMR/〉 45 and 〈45, respectively. Although lower bond strengths are more commonly encountered in low RMR ground, high bond strengths are possible as well, yielding higher variability in bond strengths in low RMR ground. Bond strength of friction bolts relies on contact between the rock bolt and drill hole. Experience in Nevada indicates that RMR is known to affect both the quality and consistency of drill holes which likely affects bond strength. Drilling and bolting in low RMR ground is more sensitive to drilling and bolting practices, and strategies for maximizing bond strength in these conditions are discussed.

Mining-induced variation in water levels in unconsolidated aquifers and mechanisms of water preservation in mines

Phreatic water resources are widely found in thick unconsolidated surface layers in western China, where water levels respond sensitively and quickly to large-scale underground mining in conjunction with shallow coal seams. Longwall face #32201 of the Bulianta Coal Mine, in the Shendong coalfield was selected as an industrial trail base, where field observations on ground-water levels were conducted when the working face was below a water-rich area. The space-time variation in the behavior of un-consolidated water levels in response to underground mining and its relation with of advance were observed through the field trials. The basic conditions for water preservation in mines are presented and the mechanisms of water preservation in mining analyzed, given the geological condition of two key strata and a severely weathered layer buried in the overburden. The field trails show that water preservation in mining shallow coal seams can be successful under suitable conditions, providing new technology for envi-ronmental protection in the desert coalfields of northwestern China.

Cloud model-clustering analysis based evaluation for ventilation system of underground metal mine in alpine region

Ventilation system is significant in underground metal mine of alpine region.Reasonable evaluation of ventilation effectiveness will lead to a practical improvement for the maintenance and management of ventilation system.However,it is difficult to make an effective evaluation of ventilation system due to the lack of classification criteria with respect to underground metal mine in alpine region.This paper proposes a novel evaluation method called the cloud model-clustering analysis(CMCA).Cloud model(CM)is utilized to process collected data of ventilation system,and they are converted into cloud descriptors by CM.Cloud similarity(CS)based Euclidean distance(ED)is proposed to make clustering analysis of assessed samples.Then the classification of assessed samples will be identified by clustering analysis results.A case study is developed based on CMCA.Evaluation results show that ventilation effectiveness can be well classified.Moreover,CM is used alone to make comparison of evaluation results obtained by CMCA.Then the availability and validity of CMCA is verified.Meanwhile,difference of CS based ED and classical ED is analyzed.Two new clustering analysis methods are introduced to make comparison with CMCA.Then the ability of proposed CMCA to meet evaluation requirements of ventilation system is verified.

Determination of volumetric changes at an underground stone mine： a photogrammetry case study

Photogrammetry, as a tool for monitoring underground mine deformation, is an alternative to traditional point measurement devices, and may be capable of accurate measurements in situations where technolo- gies such as laser scanning are unsuited, undesired, or cost-prohibitive. An underground limestone mine in Ohio is used as a test case for monitoring of structurally unstable pillars. Seven pillars were pho- tographed over in a 63 day period, punctuated by four visits. Using photogrammetry, point clouds of the mine geometry were obtained and triangulation surfaces were generated to determine volumes of change over time. Pillar spaUing in the range of 0.29-4.03 m3 of rock on individual rib faces was detected. Isolated incidents of rock expansion prior to failure, and the isolated failure of a weak shale band were also observed. Much of the pillars remained unchanged during the monitoring period, which is indicative of proper alignment in the triangulated surfaces. The photographs of some ribs were of either too poor quality or had insufficient overlap, and were not included. However, photogrammetry was successfully aonlied to multiole ribs in auantifving the oillar geometrv change over time.

Illumination of parameter contributions on uneven break： phenomenon in underground stoping mines

One of the most serious conundrum facing the stope production in underground metalliferous mining is uneven break （UB： unplanned dilution and ore-loss）. Although the UB has a huge economic fallout to the entire mining process, it is practically unavoidable due to the complex causing mechanism. In this study, the contribution of ten major UB causative parameters ha,; been scrutinised based on a published UB predicting artificial neuron network （ANN） model to put UB under the engineering management. Two typical ANN sensitivity analysis methods, i.e., connection weight algorithm （CWA） and profile method （PM） have been applied. As a result of CWA and PM applications, adjusted Qrate （AQ） revealed as the most influential parameter to UB with contribution of 22,40% in CWA and 20,48% in PM respectively. The findings of this study can be used as an important reference in stope design, production, and reconciliation stages on underground stoping mine.

Analytical and numerical modeling for the effects of thermal insulation in underground tunnels

The heat How generated from the infinite rock mass surrounding the underground tunnels is a major cause for the increasing cooling demands in deep mine tunnels.Insulation layers with lower thermal conductivities on tunnel walls and roof ceilings are believed to supply a thermo-barrier for heat abatement.However,it is found that no systematic theoretical investigations were made to predict and confirm the effectiveness of underground thermal insulation.Specifically,investigations on the underground insulation problems involving heat flows through the semi-infinite hot rock mass and insulation layer were not sufficient.Thus,in this paper,the thermal characteristics,accompanied with heat flow through the semi-infinite rock mass and the insulation layer,were modeled by both analytical and numerical methods with focus on underground mine tunnels.The close agreements between models have indicated that the thermal insulation applied on tunnel surfaces is able to provide promising heat abatement effects.

Observations and Modeling of Incoming Longwave Radiation to Snow Beneath Forest Canopies in the West Tianshan Mountains, China

Forest canopy reduces shortwave radiation and increases the incoming longwave radiation to snowpacks beneath forest canopies. Furthermore, the effect of forest canopy may be changed by complex topography. In this paper, we measured and simulated the incoming longwave radiation to snow beneath forest at different canopy openness in the west Tianshan Mountains, China(43°16'N, 84°24'E) during spring 2013. A sensitivity study was conducted to explore the way that terrain influenced the incoming longwave radiation to snow beneath forest canopies. In the simulation model, measurement datasets, including air temperature, incoming shortwave radiation above canopy, and longwave radiation enhanced by adjacent terrain, were applied to calculate the incoming longwave radiation to snow beneath forest canopy. The simulation results were consistent with the measurements on hourly scale and daily scale. The effect of longwave radiation enhanced by terrain was important than that of shortwave radiation above forest canopy with different openness except the 20% canopy openness. The longwave radiation enhanced due to adjacent terrain increases with the slope increase and temperature rise. When air temperature(or slope) is relatively low, thelongwave radiation enhanced by adjacent terrain is not sensitive to slope(or air temperature), but the sensitivity increases with the decrease of snow cover area on sunny slope. The effect of longwave radiation is especially sensitive when the snow cover on sunny slope melts completely. The effect of incoming shortwave radiation reflected by adjacent terrain on incoming longwave radiation to snow beneath forest canopies is more slight than that of the enhanced longwave radiation.

Simulation Study and Probe on UWB Wireless Communication in Underground Coal Mine

From an analysis of the status of coal mine underground wireless communication, the application of UWB wireless communication system to underground coal mine is proposed. The basic composition of an UWB communication system and application in underground coal mines are introduced. The analyses show that, because of the transmission power being non-limitted in underground coal mines, the use of UWB in coal mines cannot only realize wireless access services of short distance high rate application for transmission of video monitoring signals, but also realize wireless access services of long distance low rate applications for mobile telephones in underground coal mines and parameters of working conditions monitoring, etc. It is emphasized on the simulation of a TH-PPM UWB communication system with traditional underground broadband model and ground CM1, CM3 model. It is shown that the traditional underground broadband model and ground CM1, CM3 models are not applicable to the UWB communication system in underground coal mines. It is necessary to conduct research on the propagation characteristics of UWB in coal mine tunnels, given the characteristics of the underground environment and to find the appropriate UWB model for underground coal mines.