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The Double-Yield (D-Y) model is a widely used method for predicting the mechanical properties of caved rock. However, determining the numerical simulation parameters for this model typically requires extensive trial and error. In this paper, a new approach for parameter inversion of the D-Y model is proposed and applied to a real case study involving repeated mining in multiple coal seams. The proposed framework combines FLAC3D, a finite element numerical simulation software, with a new computational tool developed using MATLAB® App Designer. By applying this framework to the case study, the accuracy and efficiency of parameter determination in the mining area are improved. In addition, a 3D finite element model of multiple coal seams is generated based on the geological information of the case study, and the stress evolution is analyzed. The simulation results are then validated through field measurements, providing valuable reference information for safe and efficient production. Overall, this improved method for parameter inversion of the D-Y model, along with the combined numerical simulation and field measurement approach, enhances the understanding of stress evolution in multiple coal seams and contributes to safer and more efficient mining operations. Highlights: An in-depth analysis was conducted to examine how variations in Double-Yield parameters impact the numerical simulation curve. A breakthrough approach for parameter inversion of the Double-Yield (D-Y) model is introduced, and the computational tool is developed. A 3D finite element model is crafted to analyse the dynamic stress evolution during repeated mining of multiple coal seams. The accuracy of simulation outcomes is bolstered by validation against field measurements of mining-induced stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal and gas outburst is a type of coal mine dynamic disaster with complex causes and serious consequences. In China, the number and scale of outburst disasters are among the highest in the world. It is an inevitable stage for outburst that the mechanical instability of the combination of intact coal and tectonic coal (CICTC) in strata. The dip angle of the interface has an important influence on the instability of CICTC-containing gas. To further understand the instability process of CICTC, the uncoordinated deformation of CICTC was defined. According to this, three strain conditions were delimited. The variations of stress under three strain conditions were analyzed, the expressions of additional interfacial stress were established. Then, based on the Mohr–Coulomb criterion, the strength characteristics and failure forms were analyzed. It was found that the dip angle deflects the principal stress in the interface, and the influences of additional stresses on the value of principal stress are opposite. These two reasons make the principal stress state and instability process of the combination complicated. Finally, combined with actual parameters, the instability processes of CICTC under different stress paths and buried depths were studied. It can be found that the failures of CICTC under different stress paths were concentrated appearing in the tectonic coal body, intact coal interface, and tectonic coal interface. With the increase of buried depth, the initial maximum principal stress increases and the reduction from additional stresses to the strength of intact coal interface enhances, which makes the combination damage easily and the failure form change. The research results in this paper can provide a theoretical basis to prevent and control the outburst of the combination containing gas considering the dip angle of the interface. Highlights: The uncoordinated deformation of combination considering the dip angle was first defined. The expressions of additional interfacial stress of combination considering the dip angle were established The influences of different stress paths and buried depths for the instability of combination were discussed quantificationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-intensity longwall top coal caving (LTCC) mining of super-thick coal seam in high stress conditions often leads to significant movement and failure of overburden. The competent roof above the super-thick coal seam is easy to form large unstable structures, and the breaking and movement of the roof strata often induce high weighting strength and large dynamic disasters which severely affect the mine safety. The key to control the behavior of competent roof is to understand the fracturing law of the roof strata. In this paper, a case study based on microseismic (MS) monitoring was performed at LW8309 working face in Tongxin coal mine, where super-thick coal seam under competent sandstone roof in high stress conditions was mined by LTCC method. The spatial distribution characteristics of MS events were studied and four impact zones in the horizontal direction and 'four-zones' in the vertical direction were identified. Multifractal analysis of MS events was carried out to study the multifractal characteristics of the fracturing of competent overburden. In addition, a large and small periodic law of fracturing of competent roof was revealed from the temporal distribution of MS events and on-site monitoring of hydraulic support pressure. A key stratum (KS) structural model was then proposed to explain the strong behaviors of competent strata during high-intensity mining. The research results are of great significance for safe and efficient mining of super-thick coal seam under competent roof in high stress conditions. Highlights: The impact zones in front of the mining face and four vertical zones were identified and the fracture characteristics of the competent overburden in the impact zones and the vertical zones were revealed. Multifractal characteristics of the fracture of the competent overburden were obtained. A large and small periodic law of fracture of competent overburden was revealed from the temporal distribution of MS events and on-site monitoring of hydraulic support pressure. A key stratum (KS) structural model was proposed to explain the behavior of the fracture of competent overburden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation and permeability of coal are largely affected by the presence and distribution of natural fractures such as cleats and bedding planes with orthogonal and abutting characteristics, resulting in distinct hydromechanical responses to stress loading during coal mining processes. In this research, a two-dimensional (2D) fracture network is constructed based on a real coal cleat trace data collected from the Fukang mine area, China. Realistic multi-stage stress loading is designed to sequentially mimic an initial equilibrium phase and a mining-induced perturbation phase involving an increase of axial stress and a decrease of confining stress. The geomechanical and hydrological behaviour of the fractured coal under various stress loading conditions is modelled using a finite element model, which can simulate the deformation of coal matrix, the shearing and dilatancy of coal cleats, the variation of cleat aperture induced by combined effects of closure/opening, and shear and tensile-induced damage. The influence of different excavation stress paths and directions of mining is further investigated. The simulation results illustrate correlated variations among the shear-induced cleat dilation, damage in coal matrix, and equivalent permeability of the fractured coal. Model results are compared with results of previous work based on conventional approaches in which natural fracture networks are not explicitly represented. In particular, the numerical model reproduces the evolution of equivalent permeability under the competing influence of the effective stress perpendicular to cleats and shear-induced cleat dilation and associated damage. Model results also indicate that coal mining at low stress rates is conducive to the stability of surrounding coal seams, and that coal mining in parallel to cleat directions is desirable. The research findings of this paper have important implications for efficient and safe exploitation of coal and coalbed methane resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]