Numerical Simulation Investigation on Parameter Optimization of Deep-Sea Mining Vehicles

The four-track walking mining vehicle can better cope with the complex terrain of cobalt-rich crusts on the seabed.To explore the influence of different parameters on the obstacle-crossing ability of mining vehicles,this paper took a certain type of mine vehicle as an example and establish a mechanical model of the mine vehicle.Through this model,the vehicle's traction coefficient variation could be analyzed during the obstacle-crossing process.It also reflected the relationship between the obstacle-crossing ability and the required traction coefficient.Many parameters were used for this analysis including the radius of the guide wheel radius,ground clearance of the driving wheel,the dip angle of the approaching angular and the position of centroid.The result showed that the ability to cross the obstacles requires adhesion coefficient as support.When the ratio between obstacle height and ground clearance of the guide wheel was greater than 0.7,the required adhesion coefficient increased sharply.The ability to cross obstacles will decrease,if the radius of the guide wheel increases,the height of the driving wheel increases or the dip angle of the approaching angular increases.It was most beneficial to cross the obstacle when-the ratio of the distance between the center of mass and the front driving wheel to the wheelbase is between 0.450.48.The results of this paper could provide reference for structural parameter design and performance research for mining vehicles.

Lateral abutment pressure distribution and evolution in wide pillars under the first mining effect

The wide pillars are generally popular due to the high productivity and efficiency in Northwest China.The distribution of lateral abutment pressure in coal pillars is important for mining safety.To reveal the effect of the first mining on the lateral abutment pressure distribution and evolution in wide pillars,an in-situ experiment,theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were performed.First,the field monitoring of lateral abutment pressure was conducted from the perspective of time and space in the Chahasu Coal Mine,Huangling No.2 Coal Mine and Lingdong Coal Mine during the first mining.Based on the field monitoring stress,a theoretical model was proposed to reveal the lateral abutment pressure distribution.The methodology was demonstrated through a case study.Aiming at the distribution mechanism,a numerical experiment was conducted through the finite-discrete element method(FDEM).Last,field observations of borehole fractures were performed to further study the damage distribution.In addition,two types of lateral abutment pressure evolution with mining advance were discussed.Suggestions on the stress monitoring layout were proposed as well.The results could provide foundations for strata control and disaster prevention in wide pillars in underground coal mines.

Theory,technology and application of grouted bolting in soft rock roadways of deep coal mines

The grouted bolt,combining rock bolting with grouting techniques,provides an effective solution for controlling the surrounding rock in deep soft rock and fractured roadways.It has been extensively applied in numerous deep mining areas characterized by soft rock roadways,where it has demonstrated remarkable control results.This article systematically explores the evolution of grouted bolting,covering its theoretical foundations,design methods,materials,construction processes,monitoring measures,and methods for assessing its effectiveness.The overview encompassed several key elements,delving into anchoring theory and grouting reinforcement theory.The new principle of high pretensioned high-pressure splitting grouted bolting collaborative active control is introduced.A fresh method for dynamic information design is also highlighted.The discussion touches on both conventional grouting rock bolts and cable bolts,as well as innovative grouted rock bolts and cables characterized by their high pretension,strength,and sealing hole pressure.An examination of the merits and demerits of standard inorganic and organic grouting materials versus the new inorganic–organic composite materials,including their specific application conditions,was conducted.Additionally,the article presents various methods and instruments to assess the support effect of grouting rock bolts,cable bolts,and grouting reinforcement.Furthermore,it provides a foundation for understanding the factors influencing decisions on grouted bolting timing,the sequence of grouting,the pressure applied,the volume of grout used,and the strategic arrangement of grouted rock bolts and cable bolts.The application of the high pretensioned high-pressure splitting grouted bolting collaborative control technology in a typical kilometer-deep soft rock mine in China—the soft coal seam and soft rock roadway in the Kouzidong coal mine,Huainan coal mining area,was introduced.Finally,the existing problems in grouted bolting control technology for deep soft rock roadways are analyzed,and the future development trend of grouted bolting control technology is anticipated.

Mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of rock bolts subjected to static-dynamic loads

This study explores the effects of dynamic and static loading on rock bolt performance a key factor in maintaining the structural safety of coal mine roadways susceptible to coal bursts.Employing a housemade load frame to simulate various failure scenarios,pretension-impact-pull tests on rock bolts were conducted to scrutinize their dynamic responses under varied static load conditions and their failure traits under combined loads.The experimental results denote that with increased impact energy,maximum and average impact loads on rock bolts escalate significantly under pretension,initiating plastic deformation beyond a certain threshold.Despite minor reductions in the yield load due to impactinduced damage,pretension aids in constraining post-impact deformation rate and fluctuation degree of rock bolts.Moreover,impact-induced plastic deformation causes internal microstructure dislocation,fortifying the stiffness of the rock bolt support system.The magnitude of this fortification is directly related to the plastic deformation induced by the impact.These findings provide crucial guidance for designing rock bolt support in coal mine roadway excavation,emphasizing the necessity to consider both static and dynamic loads for improved safety and efficiency.

Heavy rockbursts due to longwall mining near protective pillars:A case study

Rockburst represents a very dangerous phenomenon in deep underground mining in unfavourable conditions such as great depth, high horizontal stress, proximity of important tectonic structures, and unmined pillars. The case study describes a recorded heavy rockburst in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, which occurred during longwall mining near the protective pillar. The artificial dividing of geological blocks and creation of mining protective pillars(shaft pillars, crosscut pillars etc.) is a dangerous task in light of rockbursts occurring mainly due to overstressing of remaining pillars. A simple model of this situation is presented. Natural and mining conditions are analysed and presented in detail as well as registered seismicity during longwall mining in the area. Recorded rockbursts in the area of interest are described and their causes discussed. Many rockbursts near protective pillars were recorded in this mining region. Methodical instructions for rockburst prevention in proximity of protective pillars as well as for gates driving were devised based on the evaluation of rockburst causes. The paper presents these principles for prevention.

Characteristics of evolution of mining-induced stress field in the longwall panel:insights from physical modeling

The evolution of mining-induced stress field in longwall panel is closely related to the fracture field and the breaking characteristics of strata.Few laboratory experiments have been conducted to investigate the stress field.This study investigated its evolution by constructing a large-scale physical model according to the in situ conditions of the longwall panel.Theoretical analysis was used to reveal the mechanism of stress distribution in the overburden.The modelling results showed that:(1)The major principal stress field is arch-shaped,and the strata overlying both the solid zones and gob constitute a series of coordinated load-bearing structures.The stress increasing zone is like a macro stress arch.High stress is especially concentrated on both shoulders of the arch-shaped structure.The stress concentration of the solid zone in front of the gob is higher than the rear solid zone.(2)The characteristics of the vertical stress field in different regions are significantly different.Stress decreases in the zone above the gob and increases in solid zones on both sides of it.The mechanical analysis show that for a given stratum,the trajectories of principal stress are arch-shaped or inverselyarched,referred to as the‘‘principal stress arch’’,irrespective of its initial breaking or periodic breaking,and determines the fracture morphology.That is,the trajectories of tensile principal stress are inversely arched before the first breaking of the strata,and cause the breaking lines to resemble an inverted funnel.In case of periodic breaking,the breaking line forms an obtuse angle with the advancing direction of the panel.Good agreement was obtained between the results of physical modeling and the theoretical analysis.

Research and practice of intelligent coal mine technology systems in China

This study considered the role of coal as China’s basic energy source and examines the development of the coal industry.We focused on the intelligent development of coal mines,and introduced the“Chinese mode”of intelligent mining in underground coal mines,which uses complete sets of technical equipment to propose classifcation and grading standards.In view of the basic characteristics and technical requirements of intelligent coal mine systems,we established a digital logic model and propose an information entity and knowledge map construction method.This involves an active information push strategy based on a knowledge demand model and an intelligent portfolio modeling and distribution method for collaborative control of coal mines.The top-level architecture of 5G+intelligent coal mine systems combines intelligent applications such as autonomous intelligent mining,human–machine collaborative rapid tunneling,unmanned auxiliary transportation,closed-loop safety control,lean collaborative operation,and intelligent ecology.Progress in intelligent mining technology was described in terms of a dynamic modifed geological model,underground 5G network and positioning technology,intelligent control of the mining height and straightness of the longwall working face,and intelligent mining equipment.The development of intelligent coal mines was analyzed in terms of its imbalances,bottlenecks,and the compatibility of large-scale systems.Implementation ideas for promoting the development of intelligent coal mines were proposed,such as establishing construction standards and technical specifcations,implementing classifcation and grading standards according to mining policy,accelerating key technology research,and building a new management and control model.

Effects of torpedo blasting on rockburst prevention during deep coal seam mining in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

In the Upper Silesian Coal Basin(USCB),coal seams are exploited under progressively more difficult geological and mining conditions(greater depth,higher horizontal stress,more frequent occurrence of competent rock layers,etc.).Mining depth,dislocations and mining remnants in coal seams are the most important factors responsible for the occurrence of rockburst hazards.Longwall mining next to the mining edges of neighbouring coal seams is particularly disadvantageous.The levels of rockburst hazards are minimised via the use of rockburst prevention methods.One active prevention method is torpedo blasting in roof rocks.Torpedo blastings are performed in order to decrease local stress concentrations in rock masses and to fracture the roof rocks to prevent or minimise the impact of high-energy tremors on excavations.The estimation of the effectiveness of torpedo blasting is particularly important when mining is under difficult geological and mining conditions.Torpedo blasting is the main form of active rockburst prevention in the assigned colliery in the Polish part of the USCB.The effectiveness of blasting can be estimated using the seismic effect method,in which the seismic monitoring data and the mass of explosives are taken into consideration.The seismic effect method was developed in the Czech Republic and is always being used in collieries in the Czech part of the coal basin.Now,this method has been widely adopted for our selected colliery in the Polish part of the coal basin.The effectiveness of torpedo blastings in the faces and galleries of the assigned longwall in coal seam 506 has been estimated.The results show that the effectiveness of torpedo blastings for this longwall was significant in light of the seismic effect method,which corresponds to the in situ observations.The seismic effect method is regularly applied to estimating the blasting effectiveness in the selected colliery.

Mechanical behaviors of coal measures and ground control technologies for China's deep coal mines-A review

This paper reviews the major achievements in terms of mechanical behaviors of coal measures,mining stress distribution characteristics and ground control in China’s deep underground coal mining.The three main aspects of this review are coal measure mechanics,mining disturbance mechanics,and rock support mechanics.Previous studies related to these three topics are reviewed,including the geo-mechanical properties of coal measures,distribution and evolution characteristics of mining-induced stresses,evolution characteristics of mining-induced structures,and principles and technologies of ground control in both deep roadways and longwall faces.A discussion is made to explain the structural and mechanical properties of coal measures in China’s deep coal mining practices,the types and dis-tribution characteristics of in situ stresses in underground coal mines,and the distribution of mining-induced stress that forms under different geological and engineering conditions.The theory of pre-tensioned rock bolting has been proved to be suitable for ground control of deep underground coal roadways.The use of combined ground control technology(e.g.ground support,rock mass modification,and destressing)has been demonstrated to be an effective measure for rock control of deep roadways.The developed hydraulic shields for 1000 m deep ultra-long working face can effectively improve the stability of surrounding rocks and mining efficiency in the longwall face.The ground control challenges in deep underground coal mines in China are discussed,and further research is recommended in terms of theory and technology for ground control in deep roadways and longwall faces.

A 3D microseismic data-driven damage model for jointed rock mass under hydro-mechanical coupling conditions and its application

Rock mass is a fractured porous medium usually subjected to complex geostress and fluid pressure simultaneously.Moreover,the properties of rock mass change in time and space due to mining-induced fractures.Therefore,it is always challenging to accurately measure rock mass properties.In this study,a three-dimensional(3D)microseismic(MS)data-driven damage model for jointed rock mass under hydro-mechanical coupling conditions is proposed.It is a 3D finite element model that takes seepage,damage and stress field effects into account jointly.Multiple factors(i.e.joints,water and microseismicity)are used to optimize the rock mass mechanical parameters at different scales.The model is applied in Shirengou iron mine to study the damage evolution of rock mass and assess the crown pillar stability during the transition from open-pit to underground mining.It is found that the damage pattern is mostly controlled by the structure,water and rock mass parameters.The damage pattern is evidently different from the two-dimensional result and is more consistent with the field observations.This difference is caused by the MS-derived damage acting on the rock mass.MS data are responsible for gradually correcting the damage zone,changing the direction in which it expands,and promoting it to evolve close to reality.For the crown pillar,the proposed model yields a more trustworthy safety factor.In order to guarantee the stability of the pillar,it is suggested to take waterproof and reinforcement measures in areas with a high degree of damage.

新街矿区深部开采邻空巷道的破坏机理:理论分析和数值模拟

深部煤炭开采时复杂的应力环境和开采条件容易引起巷道大变形和顶板冒落,严重威胁煤矿生产安全。本文研究了内蒙古新街矿区红庆河煤矿首采工作面开采时邻空巷道应力特征、破坏机理及围岩控制方法。建立了首采工作面不同开采阶段顶板长、短臂F型结构模型,基于基础静载荷、采动附加静载荷和扰动动载荷提出了邻空巷道围岩应力计算方法。此外,分析了邻空巷道围岩稳定性,揭示了邻空巷道破坏机理。研究结果表明:基础静载荷、采动附加静载荷和扰动动载荷叠加时形成高应力、能量区,易诱发邻空巷道破坏;煤柱宽度为5~10 m时邻空巷道处在低应力环境,可有效降低邻空巷道破坏风险。同时,提出了邻空巷道围岩控制方法,主要包括选择合理煤柱宽度、切断动载荷来源、降低静载应力集中程度及应用吸能锚杆。本文研究结果可为类似条件巷道围岩控制提供参考。

Grouting theories and technologies for the reinforcement of fractured rocks surrounding deep roadways

Grouting is an effective method to improve the integrity and stability of fractured rocks that surround deep roadways.After years of research and practice,various theories and a complete set of grouting technologies for deep roadways with fractured rocks have been developed and are widely applied in Chinese coal mining production.This paper systematically summarizes and analyzes the research results concerning the theory,design,materials,processes,and equipment for the grouting and reinforcement of fractured rocks surrounding deep roadways.Specifically,in terms of grouting methods,pregrouting,groutingwhile-excavation,and postgrouting methods are explored;in terms of grouting theory,backfill grouting,compaction grouting,infiltration grouting,and fracture grouting theories are studied.In addition,this paper also studies grouting borehole arrangement,water-cement ratio,grouting pressure,grouting volume,grout diffusion radius,and other grouting parameters and their determination methods.On this basis,this paper explores the physical and mechanical properties of organic and organic-inorganic composite grouting materials,and assess grouting reinforcement quality testing methods and instruments.Taken as the field cases,the application of pregrouting in front of heading faces,groutingwhile-excavation,and postgrouting in the Kouzidong coal mine are then introduced,and the effects of the grouting reinforcements are evaluated.This paper proposes a development direction for grouting technology based on problems existing in the grouting reinforcement of fractured rocks surrounding deep roadways.

Effect of dynamic loading conditions on the dynamic performance of MP1 energy-absorbing rockbolts:Insight from laboratory drop test

Energy-absorbing rockbolts have been widely adopted in burst-prone excavation support, and their serviceability is closely related to the frequency and magnitude of seismic events. In this research, the splittube drop test with varying impact energy was conducted to reproduce the dynamic performance of MP1rockbolts under a wide range of seismic event magnitudes. The test results showed that the impact process could be subdivided into four distinct stages, i.e. mobilization, strain hardening, plastic flow(ductile), and rebound stage, of which strain hardening and plastic flow are the primary energy absorbing stages. As the impact energy per drop increases from 8.1 to 46.7 k J, the strain rate of the shank varies between 1.20 and 2.70 s^(-1), and the average impact load is between 240 and 270kN, which may be considered as constant. The MP1 rockbolt has a cumulative maximum energy absorption(CMEA) of 31.9–40.0 k J/m, with an average of 35.0 k J/m, and the elongation rate is 11.4%–14.7%, with an average of 12.7%, both of which are negatively correlated with the impact energy per drop. Regression analysis shows that energy absorption and shank elongation, as well as momentum input and impact duration,conform to the linear relationship. The complete dynamic capacity envelope of MP1 rockbolts is proposed, which reflects the dynamic bearing capacity, elongation, and distinct stages. This study is helpful to better understand the dynamic characteristics of energy-absorbing rockbolts and assist design engineers in robust reinforcement systems design to mitigate rockburst damage in seismically active underground excavations.

Characteristics of B,Zn and Se in stream sediments of Tanzania and their agricultural applications:Based on 1∶1000000 geochemical survey

Tanzania is located in eastern Africa with a predominantly agricultural ecomomy,the potential for developing and utilizing cultivated land are promising,but scientific guidance is required.B,Zn and Se are essential micronutrients for plants and human body with crucial biological functions,in particular,Se is significant for human health and considered as“the king of anti-cancer”.As these elements required by human or plants are mainly absorbed from soil directly or indirectly,therefore,it is important to understand the contents and distributions of them in the soil of cultivated land for guiding agricultural production.In this work,low-density geochemical survey at the scale of 1∶1000000 was carried out in Tanzania,and the results show that the concentrations of B,Zn and Se in stream sediments are low and their distributions are heterogeneous.According to the distributions of geological units,the existing cultivated land resources can be divided into five regions in Tanzania.Compared with the national background values,the concentrations of B,Zn and Se are insufficient overall but enriched locally in these regions.In general,element concentrations in stream sediments and soil have a positive correlation because of their similar sources,which is essential in agriculture application.Based on the information provided by low-density geochemical data and maps,the Se-sufficient and Se-rich regions were delineated in Tanzania,where can be used to develop Se-rich industries.Finally,this paper believes that geochemical survey is a powerful tool for cultivated land evaluation,agriculture management and land development.

A new criterion of coal burst proneness based on the residual elastic energy index

To evaluate the coal burst proneness more precisely,a new energy criterion namely the residual elastic energy index was proposed.This study begins by performing the single-cyclic loading-unloading uniaxial compression tests with five pre-peak unloading stress levels to explore the energy storage characteristics of coal.Five types of coals from different mines were tested,and the instantaneous destruction process of the coal specimens under compression loading was recorded using a high speed camera.The results showed a linear relationship between the elastic strain energy density and input energy density,which confirms the linear energy storage law of coal.Based on this linear energy storage law,the peak elastic strain energy density of each coal specimen was obtained precisely.Subsequently,a new energy criterion of coal burst proneness was established,which was called the residual elastic energy index(defined as the difference between the peak elastic strain energy density and post peak failure energy density).Considering the destruction process and actual failure characteristics of coal specimens,the accuracy of evaluating coal burst proneness based on the residual elastic energy index was examined.The results indicated that the residual elastic energy index enables reliable and precise evaluations of the coal burst proneness.

Dynamic impact experiment and response characteristics analysis for 1:2 reduced-scale model of hydraulic support

It is significant to research the impact resistance properties of hydraulic support due to its key support role in the fully mechanized mining face.However,it is difficult for the entire hydraulic support to implement the impact experiment underground and analyze the response characteristic.Therefore,a dynamic impact experiment for the entire hydraulic support was proposed in this paper,where a 1:2 reducedscale model of hydraulic support was designed and its response characteristics under dynamic impact load were analyzed.Firstly,a comprehensive monitoring scheme was proposed to achieve an effective monitoring for dynamic response of hydraulic support.Secondly,a multi-scale impact experiment was carried out for the entire hydraulic support and dynamic behaviors of hydraulic support under the multi-scale impact load were revealed by experimental data.Then a dynamic impact experiment of the entire hydraulic support was simulated in ADAMS with the same experiment conditions,and the experimental and simulation data were verified mutually.Finally,the characteristics of energy conversion and dissipation of the entire experiment system after impact were analyzed.The experiment results showed that the impact resistance properties of hydraulic support largely depended on the initial support conditions and different vertical rigidities affected energy distribution proportion of the entire support system.

Volumetric changes in the focal areas of seismic events corresponding to destress blasting

The typical development of total volumetric change in the focal areas of seismic events,corresponding to destress blasting,is characterized as an explosive phase followed by an implosive phase and with alternating additional phases following on from that.In a few cases,a non-typical development of volumetric change was identified,where the first phase was implosive and the second phase,explosive.This development is mainly typical for induced seismic events recorded during mining,not for destress blasting.Seismic events were recorded during longwall mining in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin,where the destress blasting technique is used as a rockburst prevention active measure.Kinematic source processes in the focal areas of selected seismic events were analyzed by the seismic moment tensor inversion method,as well as by studying geomechanical rock mass conditions at the localities of the seismic events.The main goal of the analysis was to attempt to identify the reasons for non-typical development of volumetric changes in these cases.Volumetric changes were analyzed for seismic events with energy greater than 104 J,recorded in the period of time from 1993 to 2009(1109 events).80%(891)of the recorded seismic events were induced seismic events that were registered during longwall mining and 20%(218)corresponded to destress blasting events.Research shows that the main reason for the non-typical development of volumetric changes in the focal areas of seismic events is an association with destress blasting in the rock mass,which is very close to rock mass overstressing.The detonation of explosives in boreholes,which would dominate the first phase of volumetric changes,probably obscured stress release in the rock mass,as manifested in the first implosion phase of the volumetric changes in this case.

The occurrences and geochemical characteristics of thorium in iron ore in the Bayan Obo deposit, Northern China

The Bayan Obo deposit in northern China is an ultra-large Fe–REE–Nb deposit.The occurrences,and geochemical characteristics of thorium in iron ores from the Bayan Obo Main Ore Body were examined using chemical analysis,field emission scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectrometer,and automatic mineral analysis software.Results identified that 91.69%of ThO2 in the combined samples was mainly distributed in rare earth minerals(bastnaesite,huanghoite,monazite;56.43%abundance in the samples),iron minerals(magnetite,hematite,pyrite;20.97%),niobium minerals(aeschynite;14.29%),and gangue minerals(aegirine,riebeckite,mica,dolomite,apatite,fluorite;4.22%).An unidentified portion(4.09%)of ThO2 may occur in other niobium minerals(niobite,ilmenorutile,pyrochlore).Only a few independent minerals of thorium occur in the iron ore samples.Thorium mainly occurs in rare earth minerals in the form of isomorphic substitution.Analyses of the geochemical characteristics of the major elements indicate that thorium mineralization in the Main Ore Body was related to alkali metasomatism,which provided source material and favorable porosity for hydrothermal mineralization.Trace elements such as Sc,Nb,Zr,and Ta have higher correlation coefficients with thorium,which resulted from being related to the relevant minerals formed during thorium mineralization.In addition,correlation analysis of ThO2 and TFe,and REO and TFe in the six types of iron ore samples showed that ThO2 did not always account for the highest distribution rate in rare earth minerals,and the main occurrence minerals of ThO2 were closely related to iron ore types.

Rock damage and fracturing induced by high static stress and slightly dynamic disturbance with acoustic emission and digital image correlation techniques

A series of coupled static-dynamic loading tests is carried out in this study to understand the effect of slightly dynamic disturbance on the rocks under high static stress.The acoustic emission(AE)and digital image correlation(DIC)techniques are combined to quantitatively characterize the damage and fracturing behaviors of rocks.The effects of three influencing factors,i.e.initial static stress,disturbance amplitude,and disturbance frequency,on the damage and fracturing evolution are analyzed.The experimental results reveal the great differences in AE characteristics and fracturing behaviors of rocks under static loads and coupled static-dynamic loads.Both the Kaiser effect and Felicity effect are observed during the disturbance loading process.The crack initiation,stable and unstable propagation in the highly-stressed rocks can be triggered by cyclic disturbance loads,and more local tensile splitting cracks are found in the rocks subjected to coupled static-dynamic loads.The damage and fracturing evolution of rocks during cyclic disturbances can be divided into two stages,i.e.steady and accelerated stages,and the increase rate and proportion of each stage are greatly affected by these influencing factors.High initial static stress,low disturbance frequency,and high disturbance amplitude are considered to be adverse factors to the stability of the rocks,which would induce a high increase rate of the steady stage and a high proportion of the accelerated stage within the whole disturbance period.Based on the two-stage damage evolution trend,a linear-exponential damage model is employed to predict the instability of the rocks under coupled static-dynamic loads.

Triaxial compression behavior of large-scale jointed coal: a numerical study

Accurate estimation of the triaxial compression behavior of jointed coal is essential for coal mining.Few studies addressed the triaxial compression behavior of large-scale rock mass,especially with real joint geometry.We employed a numerical synthetic rock mass(SRM)method to study the triaxial compression behavior of jointed coal.Jointed-coal specimens were constructed based on in-situ joint measurements and microparameter calibration against laboratory experiments.A series of triaxial compression tests under different loading orientations and confining pressures were numerically performed to obtain joint and confining-pressure effects on the triaxial compression behavior and reveal the failure mechanism of jointed coal.Results suggest that the triaxial compression behavior of the jointed coal has strong joint and confining-pressure effects.Joints weaken the strength and elastic modulus,reduce the lateral deformation,and affect the geometries of the shear-rupture surface.An increase in the confining pressure causes the peak and residual strength increase significantly.With an increase in the confining pressure,the elastic modulus increases sharply at low confining pressure,the mechanical behavior transitions from brittleness to ductility,the failure mode transitions from shear-rupture surface to plastic flow,and the joint effect diminishes and even disappears.The jointed coal fails by means of a shear-rupture surface under triaxial compression loading with a confining pressure(which is not too high),and the geometries of the shear-rupture surface vary with the distribution of joints.