A method for predicting the water-flowing fractured zone height based on an improved key stratum theory

In the process of using the original key stratum theory to predict the height of a water-flowing fractured zone(WFZ),the influence of rock strata outside the calculation range on the rock strata within the calculation range as well as the fact that the shape of the overburden deformation area will change with the excavation length are ignored.In this paper,an improved key stratum theory(IKS theory)was proposed by fixing these two shortcomings.Then,a WFZ height prediction method based on IKS theory was established and applied.First,the range of overburden involved in the analysis was determined according to the tensile stress distribution range above the goaf.Second,the key stratum in the overburden involved in the analysis was identified through IKS theory.Finally,the tendency of the WFZ to develop upward was determined by judging whether or not the identified key stratum will break.The proposed method was applied and verified in a mining case study,and the reasons for the differences in the development patterns between the WFZs in coalfields in Northwest and East China were also fully explained by this method.

Using of Key Stratum Theory to Study the Structural Development of Roof Aquifer

During the underground mining of coal resources,overlying rocks on the roof of excavated tunnels will be destroyed due to ground pressure,and as a result,part of them will break and fall into the tunnels.How to determine the distribution of fractured areas and fissures presents a major problem for preserving the overlying aquifer.

Discrimination conditions and process of water-resistant key strata

Water-preservation mining is one of the most important parts of the ‘Green Mining' technology system,which can realize the effective regulation of groundwater resources by controlling strata movement,changing passive prevention and governance of water disasters to active conservation and utilization of groundwater resources and thus obtaining coal and water simultaneously in mining.The concept of water-resistant key strata further enriches the content of the key stratum theory and provides a theoretical basis for water-preservation mining.In order to realize the idea of water-resistant key strata as a guideline in the design of water-preservation mining and engineering applications,the conditions for discrimination in the process of water-resistant key strata,we have presented a mechanical model,as well as its corresponding computer program,based on a large number of theoretical analyses and field measurements,as well as on a comprehensive consideration of the position,structural stability and seepage stability of key strata.Practical engineering applications indicate that this discrimination method and its corresponding computer program on water-resistant key strata are accurate and reliable and can satisfy the actual design needs of water-preservation mining and thus have instructional importance for water-preservation mining in mining areas lacking water.

Roof pre-blasting to prevent support crushing and water inrush accidents

Support crushing and water inrush when mining under an unconsolidated confined aquifer in the Qidong Coal Mine was prevented by roof pre-blasting. The mechanism and applicable conditions for this method have been studied. The results show that when an overburden structure that may cause support crushing and a water inrush accident exists the weakening of the primary key stratum, which thereby reduces its weighting step, roof pre-blasting is both feasible and effective. If the position of the primary key stratum can be moved upward to exceed 10 times the mining height the possibility of support crushing and water inrush disaster caused by key stratum compound breakage will be lowered. The overburden structure of the number 7121 working face was considered during the design of a technical proposal involving roof pre-blasting. After comprehensively analyzing the applicability of roof pre-blasting the resulting design prevented support crushing and water inrush disasters from happening at the number 7121 working face and laid a solid foundation for mining safely.