Search

Mining-induced disturbance to stress fields can lead to many engineering disasters such as rock bursts, roadway collapses, and coal and gas outbursts. The evolution characteristic of abutment pressure during the mining process is of great significance for prevention of engineering disasters. Based on a case study of No.12526E Panel in Xieqiao coalmine of Huainan mining area in China, this paper investigated the evolution characteristic of abutment pressure during the retreat mining process. A field measurement was performed using three-dimensional (3D) pressure sensor, and the abutment pressure was continuously monitored during the mining process. The monitoring results indicate that the abutment pressure curve can be divided into strong interference area and weak interference area. Further, the evolution characteristics of abutment pressure during the retreat mining process were simulated using a 3D discrete-element program. Periodic caving characteristics of rock strata were obtained, and the major causes of stress concentration and the bearing stress inflection point were analyzed. With the periodic caving of the overlying strata, the stress inflection point appears, and fracture cracks are generated and hinder stress recovery. Finally, the detailed dynamic evolution process of the abutment pressure as well as the deformation and caving characteristics of the overlying strata of the No.12526E Panel were analyzed. The coal and rock near the mined-out area undergo a sharp stress concentration and reduction, which would lead to damage to the rock mass near the mined-out area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Constructed a groundwater numerical model by Visual MODFLOW and studized the feasibility of mine water recharge to aquifers. • Analyzed the impact of mine water recharge on the water level and inflow of aquifers. • To ensure the safe mining in the future, the dynamic water inflow under different mining levels was predicted. Water inflow poses a critical safety concern in coal mining. The pressing challenge in current mine water inflow research is the need to enhance the prediction of dynamic changes in mine water inflow across different mining stages. In this study, the hydrogeological conditions and aquifer structural characteristics of the Wutongzhuang Coal Mine in Hebei Province, China were analyzed, and the results were combined with pumping test and drilling data. A numerical model of groundwater flow in the study area was established using Visual MODFLOW and the model was calibrated and verified by comparing its results with the measured values to ensure that it realistically reflected the state of groundwater movement in the study area. The results of numerical simulation indicated that: (1) The water level of the Ordovician aquifer varies significantly by season. A large exposed area of Ordovician limestone in the western mountainous region receives a large amount of rainfall infiltration recharge in the summer rainy period that raises the water level of the Ordovician aquifer in the study area. (2) The groundwater system in the study area is in an equilibrium state, with the water inflow approximately equal to the outflow. (3) The recharge of mine drainage water has a slight positive effect on the Ordovician water level and the floor water inflow, with the impact on the water level of the aquifer decreasing as the distance from the recharge well and the import of Ordovician limestone water increase. In cases in which there is mine water recharge, the water level of the Ordovician aquifer is approximately 0.33 to 1.37 m higher than in cases without recharge, resulting in an increase in water inflow of approximately 10.6 m3/d. (4) In cases in which there is recharge of all drainage water, the maximum water inflow into the fifth mining area is 3,491.3 m3/d, which is 12.5 m3/d higher than in the case without recharge. These results provide important technical references for the formulation of mining schemes and water prevention measures in mining areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]