In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Mining Science (矿业科学学报), researchers from the School of Energy and Mining Engineering at China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing have unveiled critical insights into the stability of roadway surrounding rock during the end coal drawing process. Led by Gao Peng, this research addresses a pressing issue in fully mechanized top-coal caving, where significant top coal loss can occur due to inadequate drawing practices.
The study utilized a two-dimensional numerical model based on the Yuandian No. 1 Mine of Huaibei Mining Group, providing a detailed analysis of the dynamic changes in the displacement and force chain fields of the coal-rock mass during coal extraction. Gao noted, “Understanding these variations is essential for improving the safety and efficiency of coal drawing operations.”
One of the key findings of the research is that the active support systems, such as anchors and cables, tend to fail sequentially before coal drawing begins in the end area. This failure is influenced by activities in the middle of the working face, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to support design. “The differences in failure patterns between the upper and lower end roadways reveal the complexity of the coal-rock interactions,” Gao explained.
Moreover, the study revealed that the flow characteristics of the coal-rock mass differ significantly at the upper and lower ends of the working face. The lower end roadway experiences gradual loosening due to increased support transitions, which ultimately weakens its bearing capacity. Conversely, the upper end is affected by advanced loosening from coal drawing activities, with the extent of this looseness correlating directly with the dip angle of the working face.
These findings have profound implications for the construction sector, particularly in enhancing the safety protocols and operational efficiency of coal mining. By proposing specific end coal drawing schemes, such as overall partitioning at the lower end and segmented partitioning at the upper end, the research offers actionable strategies that can significantly improve roadway stability.
As the construction industry increasingly seeks to adopt safer and more efficient mining practices, the insights from this research could pave the way for innovative support modification techniques that enhance the structural integrity of mining operations. The potential for reducing top coal loss not only optimizes resource extraction but also contributes to more sustainable mining practices.
This pivotal research by Gao Peng and his team is a testament to the ongoing advancements in mining engineering and its commercial impacts, shaping the future of coal extraction methodologies. For more information on their work, visit lead_author_affiliation.
