Roof filling control technology and application to mine roadway damage in small pit goaf

To recover coal resources that have been damaged by traditional mining methods and ensure stability of the lower roadway in a small pit goaf,the goaf area must be filled and reinforced.In this research,the 1202 working face of the Hanzui mine is considered as an example for classifying the roof of the mining tunnel under the small kiln destruction zone,the effect of the goaf on the roadway is determined based on the radio tunnel penetration method,a mechanical model to determine the roof filling control mechanism was established,and the duct foaming system and roof filling process were designed.The results show that the scope and degree of influence of the goaf on the mining lane are large,but safe tunneling can be ensured through the use of a steel shed and advanced grouting techniques.When the roof conditions are not similar,materials with different filling heights and filling strengths can be used to control the roof filling of the roadway.By combining field experience and laboratory tests,it was determined that a high-foaming material with a water-cement ratio of 1:0.6,a suitable high-foaming additive,and a water volume ratio of 1:30 is cost-efficient for filling and meets the filling strength requirements.Finally,the reliability of the proposed technology was verified by field experiments,which provide a reference for filling operations in similar mines.

Instability mechanism of mining roadway passing through fault at different angles in kilometre-deep mine and control measures of roof cutting and NPR cables

The angle α between the fault strike and the axial direction of the roadway produces different damage characteristics. In this paper, the research methodology includes theoretical analyses, numerical simulations and field experiments in the context of the Daqiang coal mine located in Shenyang, China. The stability control countermeasure of "pre-splitting cutting roof + NPR anchor cable"(PSCR-NPR) is simultaneously proposed. According to the different deformation characteristics of the roadway, the faults are innovatively classified into three types, with α of type I being 0°-30°, α of type II being 30°-60°, and α of type III being 60°-90°. The full-cycle stress evolution paths during mining roadway traverses across different types of faults are investigated by numerical simulation. Different pinch angles α lead to high stress concentration areas at different locations in the surrounding rock. The non-uniform stress field formed in the shallow surrounding rock is an important reason for the instability of the roadway. The pre-cracked cut top shifted the high stress region to the deep rock mass and formed a low stress region in the shallow rock mass. The high prestressing NPR anchor cable transforms the non-uniform stress field of the shallow surrounding rock into a uniform stress field. PSCR-NPR is applied in the fault-through roadway of Daqiang mine. The low stress area of the surrounding rock was enlarged by 3-7 times, and the cumulative convergence was reduced by 45%-50%. It provides a reference for the stability control of the deep fault-through mining roadway.

Deformation mechanism and roof pre-splitting control technology of gob-side entry in thick hard main roof full-mechanized longwall caving panel

This paper explores the deformation mechanism and control technology of roof pre-splitting for gob-side entries in hard roof full-mechanized longwall caving panel(LTCC).The investigation utilizes a comprehensive approach that integrates field monitoring,theoretical analysis,and numerical simulation.Theoretical analysis has illuminated the influence of the length of the lateral cantilever beam of the main roof(LCBM)above the roadway on the stability of the gob-side entry behind the panel.Numerical simulations have further revealed that the longer LCBM results in heightened vertical stress within the coal pillar,developed cracks around the roadway,and more pronounced damage to the roadway.Moreover,numerical simulations also demonstrate the potential of roof pre-splitting technology in optimizing the fracture position of the hard roof.This technology significantly reduces the length of the LCBM,thereby alleviating stress concentration in the coal pillars and integrated coal rib while minimizing the destruction of the gob-side entry.Therefore,this manuscript first proposes the use of roof pre-splitting technology to control roadway deformation,and automatically retain the entry within a hard roof LTCC panel.Field implementation has demonstrated that the proposed automatically retained entry by roof pre-splitting technology effectively reduces gob-side entry deformation and achieves automatically retained entry.

Ground response and failure mechanism of gob-side entry by roof cutting with hard main roof

This study is the result of long-term efforts of the authors’team to assess ground response of gob-side entry by roof cutting(GSERC)with hard main roof,aiming at scientific control for GSERC deformation.A comprehensive field measurement program was conducted to determine entry deformation,roof fracture zone,and anchor bolt(cable)loading.The results indicate that GSERC deformation presents asymmetric characteristics.The maximum convergence near roof cutting side is 458 mm during the primary use process and 1120 mm during the secondary reuse process.The entry deformation is closely associated with the primary development stage,primary use stage,and secondary reuse stage.The key block movement of roof cutting structure,a complex stress environment,and a mismatch in the supporting design scheme are the failure mechanism of GSERC.A controlling ideology for mining states,including regional and stage divisions,was proposed.Both dynamic and permanent support schemes have been implemented in the field.Engineering practice results indicate that the new support scheme can efficiently ensure long-term entry safety and could be a reliable approach for other engineering practices.

Assessment and control of the mine tremor disaster induced by the energy accumulation and dispersion of thick-hard roofs

In order to solve the problem that current theory models cannot accurately describe thick-hard roof(THR)elastic energy and assess the mine tremor disasters,a theoretical method,a Timoshenko beam theory on Winkler foundation was adopted to establish the THR’s periodic breaking model.The superposition principle was used for this complex model to derive the calculation formulas of the elastic energy and impact load on hydraulic supports.Then,the influence of roof thickness h,cantilever length L_(1),and load q on THR’s elastic energy and impact load was analyzed.And,the effect of mine tremor disasters was assessed.Finally,it is revealed that:(1)The THR’s elastic energy U exhibits power-law variations,with the fitted relationships U=0.0096L_(1)^(3.5866^),U=5943.9h^(-1.935),and U=21.049q^(2).(2)The impact load on hydraulic supports F_(ZJ) increases linearly with an increase in the cantilever length,thickness,and applied load.The fitted relationships are F_(ZJ)=1067.3L_(1)+6361.1,F_(ZJ)=125.89h+15100,and F_(ZJ)=10420q+3912.6.(3)Ground hydraulic fracturing and liquid explosive deep-hole blasting techniques effectively reduce the THR’s cantilever length at periodic breakages,thus eliminating mine tremor disasters.

Fuzzy inference system using genetic algorithm and pattern search for predicting roof fall rate in underground coal mines

One of the most dangerous safety hazard in underground coal mines is roof falls during retreat mining.Roof falls may cause life-threatening and non-fatal injuries to miners and impede mining and transportation operations.As a result,a reliable roof fall prediction model is essential to tackle such challenges.Different parameters that substantially impact roof falls are ill-defined and intangible,making this an uncertain and challenging research issue.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health assembled a national database of roof performance from 37 coal mines to explore the factors contributing to roof falls.Data acquired for 37 mines is limited due to several restrictions,which increased the likelihood of incompleteness.Fuzzy logic is a technique for coping with ambiguity,incompleteness,and uncertainty.Therefore,In this paper,the fuzzy inference method is presented,which employs a genetic algorithm to create fuzzy rules based on 109 records of roof fall data and pattern search to refine the membership functions of parameters.The performance of the deployed model is evaluated using statistical measures such as the Root-Mean-Square Error,Mean-Absolute-Error,and coefficient of determination(R_(2)).Based on these criteria,the suggested model outperforms the existing models to precisely predict roof fall rates using fewer fuzzy rules.

Physical and numerical investigations of target stratum selection for ground hydraulic fracturing of multiple hard roofs

Ground hydraulic fracturing plays a crucial role in controlling the far-field hard roof,making it imperative to identify the most suitable target stratum for effective control.Physical experiments are conducted based on engineering properties to simulate the gradual collapse of the roof during longwall top coal caving(LTCC).A numerical model is established using the material point method(MPM)and the strain-softening damage constitutive model according to the structure of the physical model.Numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the LTCC process under different hard roofs for ground hydraulic fracturing.The results show that ground hydraulic fracturing releases the energy and stress of the target stratum,resulting in a substantial lag in the fracturing of the overburden before collapse occurs in the hydraulic fracturing stratum.Ground hydraulic fracturing of a low hard roof reduces the lag effect of hydraulic fractures,dissipates the energy consumed by the fracture of the hard roof,and reduces the abutment stress.Therefore,it is advisable to prioritize the selection of the lower hard roof as the target stratum.

Fracture propagation and evolution law of indirect fracturing in the roof of broken soft coal seams

Indirect fracturing in the roof of broken soft coal seams has been demonstrated to be a feasible technology.In this work,the No.5 coal seam in the Hancheng block was taken as the research object.Based on the findings of true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments and field pilot under this technology and the cohesive element method,a 3D numerical model of indirect fracturing in the roof of broken soft coal seams was established,the fracture morphology propagation and evolution law under different conditions was investigated,and analysis of main controlling factors of fracture parameters was conducted with the combination weight method,which was based on grey incidence,analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight method.The results show that“士”-shaped fractures,T-shaped fractures,cross fractures,H-shaped fractures,and“干”-shaped fractures dominated by horizontal fractures were formed.Different parameter combinations can form different fracture morphologies.When the coal seam permeability is lower and the minimum horizontal principal stress difference between layers and fracturing fluid injection rate are both larger,it tends to form“士”-shaped fractures.When the coal seam permeability and minimum horizontal principal stress between layers and perforation position are moderate,cross fractures are easily generated.Different fracture parameters have different main controlling factors.Engineering factors of perforation location,fracturing fluid injection rate and viscosity are the dominant factors of hydraulic fracture shape parameters.This study can provide a reference for the design of indirect fracturing in the roof of broken soft coal seams.

Bearing mechanism of roof and rib support structure in automatically formed roadway and its support design method

Non-pillar mining technology with automatically formed roadway is a new mining method without coal pillar reservation and roadway excavation.The stability control of automatically formed roadway is the key to the successful application of the new method.In order to realize the stability control of the roadway surrounding rock,the mechanical model of the roof and rib support structure is established,and the influence mechanism of the automatically formed roadway parameters on the compound force is revealed.On this basis,the roof and rib support structure technology of confined lightweight concrete is proposed,and its mechanical tests under different eccentricity are carried out.The results show that the bearing capacity of confined lightweight concrete specimens is basically the same as that of ordinary confined concrete specimens.The bearing capacity of confined lightweight concrete specimens under different eccentricities is 1.95 times higher than those of U-shaped steel specimens.By comparing the test results with the theoretical calculated results of the confined concrete,the calculation method of the bearing capacity for the confined lightweight concrete structure is selected.The design method of confined lightweight concrete support structure is established,and is successfully applied in the extra-large mine,Ningtiaota Coal Mine,China.

Combined blasting for protection of gob-side roadway with thick and hard roof

The deformation control of surrounding rock in gobside roadway with thick and hard roof poses a significant challenge to the safety and efficiency of coal mining.To address this issue,a novel approach combining directional and non-directional blasting techniques,known as combined blasting,was proposed.This study focuses on the experimental investigation of the proposed method in the 122108 working face in Caojiatan Coal Mine as the engineering background.The initial phase of the study involves physical model experiments to reveal the underlying mechanisms of combined blasting for protecting gob-side roadway with thick and hard roof.The results demonstrate that this approach effectively accelerates the collapse of thick and hard roofs,enhances the fragmentation and expansion coefficient of gangue,facilitates the filling of the goaf with gangue,and provides support to the overlying strata,thus reducing the subsidence of the overlying strata above the goaf.Additionally,the method involves cutting the main roof into shorter beams to decrease the stress and disrupt stress transmission pathways.Subsequent numerical simulations were conducted to corroborate the findings of the physical model experiments,thus validating the accuracy of the experimental results.Furthermore,field engineering experiments were performed,affirming the efficacy of the combined blasting method in mitigating the deformation of surrounding rock and achieving the desired protection of the gob-side roadway.

Experimental Assessment of the Thermal Performance of Two Corrugated Metal Roofs

This experimental study is a contribution to the search for solutions to reduce indoor heat gain through sheet metal roofing in hot weather. It has evaluated the thermal impact of two different sheet metal roofs inside of two identical test buildings in sunny weather and cloudy weather conditions. Test building 1 has a single sheet corrugated roof and the building 2 is covered with roof made from top to bottom with corrugated sheet metal, a 12 mm thick serpentine copper tube in which water is circulated, a sheet of aluminium foil acting as a heat reflector, a 4 cm thick polystyrene panel and a 1.5 cm thick plywood. A maximum reduction of 15.1˚C in the temperature of the inner face of the test Building 2 roof was obtained comparatively to the temperature of the inner face of the test Building 1 roof consisting of a single sheet of metal at the warmest hours. In addition, the simple corrugated sheet metal roof of the test building generates high and varied temperatures inside the building. Whereas the proposed heat recovery roof favours low and relatively uniform temperatures inside the building. The proposed sheet metal roof construction technique is very effective in reducing the heat gain through the roof considerably;thus improving the thermal comfort inside sheet metal roofed dwellings. Hot water has been produced by recovering heat from the metal sheet of the roof of test building 2. The temperature of the hot water produced reached of 39˚C. This study could be also an alternative for the reduction of energy consumption due to the use of mechanical means for cooling of sheet metal roofed houses and the reduction of the use of fossil fuels for domestic hot water production.

Mechanical analysis of roof stability under nonlinear compaction of solid backfill body

Based on the compaction characteristic test and the nonlinear compaction deformation characteristics of backfill material, this paper applies the theory of nonlinear elastic foundation of thin plate to establish a mechanical model of backfill body and roof in solid dense backfill coal mining. This study critically analyses the deflection equation of the roof by the energy method, derives the conditions of roof breakage and combined with concrete engineering practice analyses, determines roof movement regularity and stability in solid dense backfill mining. Analysis of the engineering practice of the 13,120 backfill panel of Pingmei 12# mine shows the theoretical maximum of roof convergence in backfill mining to be415 mm which is in significant agreement with the measured value. During the advancing process of solid backfill mining at the panel, the maximum tensile stress on the roof is less than its tensile strength which does not satisfy the conditions for roof breakage. Drilling results on the roof and ground pressure monitoring show that the integrity of roof is strong, which is consistent with the theoretical calculations described in this study. The results presented in the study provide a basis for further investigation into strata movement theory in solid dense backfill mining.

Deformation response of roof in solid backfilling coal mining based on viscoelastic properties of waste gangue

Solid backfill mining(SBM)is a form of green mining,the core of which is to control and minimize the deformation and movement of strata above longwall coal mines.Establishing a mechanical model that can reliably describe roof deformation by considering the viscoelastic properties of waste gangue is important as it assists in improving mine designs and reducing the environmental impact on the surface.In this paper,the time-dependent deformation characteristics of gangue under different stress levels were obtained by using lateral confinement compression,that reliably represents the compaction of goaf.The viscoelastic foundation model for gangue mechanical response is different from the traditionally used elastic foundation model,as it considers the time factor and viscoelasticity.A mechanical model using a thin plate on a fractional viscoelastic foundation was established,and the roof deflection,bending moment,time-dependent,viscous and other characteristics of SBM were included and analyzed.Compared with the existing elastic foundation model,the proposed fractional order viscoelastic foundation model has higher accuracy with laboratory data.The plate deflection increases by 50.9%and the bending moment increases by 37.9%after 100 days,which the elastic model would not have been able to predict.

Safe roof thickness and span of stope under complex filling body

Longhole caving method was used to mine gently inclined thick orebody step by step in a test stope of tin mine under complex filling body. The problem that the complex filling body around the stope affects the stability of roof thickness, chamber and spacer pillar in actual mining was investigated; meanwhile, the formed goaf during mining is so vulnerable that surrounding rock collapses early. Based on this point, elasticity mechanics and limit span theory were used to study separately the roof thickness and the span limit of goaf formed in mining, and then a reasonable roof thickness of 8 m and goaf span of 14 m are proposed. In addition, the stability of roof thickness, chamber and spacer pillar were investigated and analyzed by using numerical analysis method; meanwhile, the field monitoring on the displacement of caving chamber was conducted. The results show that the maximum compressive stress of surrounding rock is 20 MPa, and the maximum tensile stress is 1.2 MPa, which is less than the ultimate tensile strength of 2.4 MPa. Moreover, plastic zone has little influence on stope stability. In addition, the displacement of 11 mm is also smaller. The displacement monitoring results are consistent with the numerical results. Thus, the roof thickness and span of goaf proposed are safe.

Similar material simulation of time series system for induced caving of roof in continuous mining under backfill

With the help of similar material simulation test,time series system for induced caving of roof in continuous mining under complex backfill in ore body No.92 of Tongkeng Tin Mine was studied. According to the similarity theory,a two-dimensional similar simulation test-bed was constructed. The stress and displacement that change along with the advance of mining were acquired and analyzed automatically by data system. The processes of continuous mining of ore-block in 5 intervals and artificial induced caving of roof were simulated. The results of the test show that ore body remained as safety roof in thickness of 15 m guarantees the safe advance of stoping work face. Caving of safety roof puts in practice at the first two mining intervals when the third interval of continuous mining is finished,and one interval as the safety distance should be kept all the time between stopping and caving. While mining in the last interval,pre-slotting should be implemented first of all,and the roof of the last two mining intervals is caved simultaneously. Only this kind of time series system can be an efficient and safe way for induced caving of roof in continuous mining.

Horizontal roof gap of backfill hydraulic support

For the backfill hydraulic support as the key equipment for achieving integration of backfilling and coal mining simultaneously in the practical process, its characteristics will directly influence the backfill body's compression ratio. Horizontal roof gap, as a key parameter of backfilling characteristics, may impact the backfilling effect from the aspects of control of roof subsidence in advance, support stress, backfilling process and the support design. Firstly, the reason why horizontal roof gap exists was analyzed and its definition, causes and connotation were introduced, then adopting the Pro/E 3D simulation software, three typical 3D entity models of backfill hydraulic supports were built, based on the influence of horizontal roof gap on backfilling effect, and influence rules of four factors, i.e. support height, suspension height, suspension angle and tamping angle, were emphatically analyzed on horizontal roof gap. The results indicate that, the four factors all have significant impacts on horizontal roof gap, but show differences in influence trend and degree, showing negative linear correlation, positive linear correlation, positive semi-parabolic correlation and negative semi-parabolic correlation, respectively. Four legs type is the most adaptive to the four factors, while six legs(II) type has the poorest adaptability, and the horizontal roof gap is small under large support height, small suspension height, small suspension angle and large tamping angle situation. By means of optimizing structure components and their positional relation and suspension height of backfill scrape conveyor in the process of support design and through controlling working face deployment, roof subsidence in advance, mining height and backfilling during engineering application, the horizontal roof gap is optimized. The research results can be served as theoretical basis for support design and guidance for backfill support to have better performance in backfilling.

Influence of backfilling rate on the stability of the"backfilling bodyimmediate roof"cooperative bearing structure

To reduce the cost of backfilling coal mining and utilize the underground space of coal mines,a new backfilling mining method with low backfilling rate called constructional backfilling coal mining(CBCM)is proposed.The "backfilling body-immediate roof" cooperative bearing structure of CBCM is analyzed by establishing the model of the medium thick plate on an elastic foundation.The influence of the backfilling rate on the stability of overlying strata is analyzed by the numerical simulation experiment.The control effect of CBCM is verified by a physic similar simulation test.The economic benefit of CBCM is analyzed.The conclusions are:the deformation characteristics of the immediate roof and critical backfilling spacing in CBCM can be analyzed based on the Hu Haichang’s theory.Exerting the bearing capacity of the immediate roof is beneficial to the stability of the overlying strata.The CBCM has a good control effect on the overburden in Xinyang Mine when the backfilling rate is lower than 25%.The backfilling cost of per ton coal is 37.39 yuan/t when the backfilling rate is 13.7%,with a decrease rate of 56.63%than the full-filling.The research results can provide theoretical support for the application of CBCM in coal mining.

Synergistic instability of coal pillar and roof system and filling method based on plate model

The security challenges from room and pillar gobs include land subsidence, spontaneous combustion of coal pillars and mine flood caused by gob water. To explore the instability mechanism of room and pillar gob, we established a mechanical model of elastic plate on elastic foundation in which pillars and hard roofs were considered as continuous Winkler foundations and elastic plates, respectively. The synergetic instability of pillar and roof system was analyzed based on plate bending theory and catastrophe theory. In addition, mechanical conditions and math criterion of roof failure and overall instability of coal pillar and roof system were given. Through analyzing both advantages and disadvantages of some technologies such as induced caving, filling, gob sealing and isolation, we presented a new filling method named box-filling, in view of box foundation theory, to control the disasters of ground collapse, water inrush and mine fire. In a gob's treatment project in Ordos, safety assessment and filling design of a room and pillar gob have been done by the mechanical model. The results show that the gob will collapse when the pillars' average yield band is wider than 0.93 m, and box-filling can control land collapse, mine flood and mine fire economically and efficiently. So it is worth to study further and popularize.

Research into stope roof control of compound roof by solid backfilling mining

Based on the analysis of the failure characteristics and backfilling effect of the compound roof at 1801 backfilling workface in Taiyuan coal mine, China, we propose a method of controlling the pre- subsidence of a compound roof by using pre-stressed bolts to improve the backfilling ratio of the work- face so as to maintain the global stability of the stope roof. In addition, PHASE simulation software was employed to analyze the influence law of pre-stressing force, length, and interval on roof subsidence at the workface. On the basis of the numerical simulation results, a model for calculating the pre-stressing force and length of the bolts, the interval between the bolts, as well as roof subsidence at the workface, was established by using SPSS regression analysis software. Moreover, the research results were applied successfully to the 1801 filling workface. According to the monitoring data of roof closure, it was found that the final subsidence value for the goal roof was 350 mm and the filling ratio at the workface was 86%, which could fully meet the demand for safety production at the workface. The safe and effective control of the stope roof was therefore realized, which achieves the goal of safe and efficient backfilling mining under a compound roof.

Stability control measures for roof cutting and NPR supporting of mining roadways in fault areas of kilometre-deep coal mine

The study focuses on the stability control measures for mining roadways in fault zones of deep mines,using Daqiang Coal Mine as a case study.The control system under consideration,referred to as"pre-splitting cutting roof+NPR anchor cable"(PSCR-NPR),is subjected to scrutiny through theoretical analysis,numerical modelling,and field trials.Furthermore,a comprehensive analysis is undertaken to evaluate the stability control mechanism of this particular technology.The study provides evidence that the utilization of deep-hole directional energy-concentrated blasting facilitates the attainment of directional roof cutting in roadways.The aforementioned procedure leads to the formation of a uniform structural surface on the roof of the roadway and causes modifications in the surrounding geological formation.The examination of the lateral abutment pressure and shear stress distribution,both prior to and subsequent to roof cutting,indicates that the implementation of pre-splitting techniques leads to a noteworthy reduction in pressure.The proposition of incorporating the safety factor Q for roof cutting height is suggested as a method to augment comprehension of the pressure relief phenomenon in the field of engineering.The analysis of numerical simulation has indicated that the optimal pressure relief effect of a mining roadway in a fault area is attained when the value of Q is 1.8.The NPR anchor cable exhibits noteworthy characteristics,including a high level of prestress,continuous resistance,and substantial deformation.After the excavation of the roadway,a notable reduction in radial stress occurs,leading to the reinstatement of the three-phase stress state in the surrounding rock.This restoration is attributed to the substantial prestress exerted on the radial stress.The termination point of the NPR anchor cable is strategically positioned within a stable rock formation,allowing for the utilization of the mechanical characteristics of the deep stable rock mass.This positioning serves to improve the load-bearing capacity of the surrounding rock.The mining roadway within the fault region of Daqiang Coal Mine is outfitted with the PSCR-NPR technology.The drop in shear stress experienced by the rock surrounding the roadway is estimated to be around 30%,whilst the low-stress region of the mining roadway extends by a factor of approximately 5.5.The magnitude of surface displacement convergence experiences a decrease of approximately 45%-50%.The study’s findings provide useful insights regarding the stable of mining roadway in characterized by fault zones.