This case study presents the verification of two surface subsidence prediction models for longwall mining at depths greater than 400 m. The surface subsidence points were surveyed and compared for both models. The first model uses empirical calculations to predict the surface subsidence. This method is reliable for predicting surface subsidence at shallower depths. At present, however, coal mining has progressed to great depths. The second model is the 2-dimensional finite element method to predict surface subsidence. In contrast to the first method, this method is based on the regional parameters and uses the rock mass properties to evaluate surface subsidence for multi-seams at any depth. Results show that the finite element method gives a better approximation of the measured surface subsidence than the Knothe method. The maximum surface subsidence, which was determined by the FEM method, was used to adjust the extraction coefficient in the Knothe's method. The predicted value differs from the measured value by 8 %. The slope of the predicted subsidence trough was within the range of 2‒8 % from the surveyed subsidence. This case study proposes a procedure for using both models to successfully predict the surface subsidence.
Permeability refers to the ability of coal to transmit gas when a pressure or concentration gradient exists across it. The permeability of coal is dependent upon factors that include effective stress, gas pressure, water content, disturbance associated with drilling and matrix swelling/shrinkage due to adsorption/desorption. A programme of laboratory tests were conducted on coal samples from the Bulli seam for evaluating the permeability and drainability of coal. Two different types of permeability apparatus were used in this study. The methods of permeability testing of coal under different triaxial conditions are discussed. Permeability testing of the Bulli seam coal with N2 is described. The laboratory test results were found to be in agreement with the calculated permeability values, Naj Aziz, Ting Ren, Jan Nemcik and Lei Zhang., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Mine roadways developed in highly stressed strata are subject to roof shear, which under severe conditions may manifest as the well known symptom of guttering, particularly at the roadway edge leading into the major horizontal stress. This roof shear can progressively reduce the effectiveness of bolt confinement of the strata within the lower roof horizon affecting stability of the immediate roof. This paper presents the results of a study to investigate the effectiveness of polymers as skin reinforcement in highly stressed coal mine roadways, as they may provide better roadway skin support than the currently used steel mesh. A large concrete block intercepted with artificial joints and reinforced with steel bolts without skin support, was loaded until significant slip occurred along the joints. Upon loading, a roof cavity resembling a gutter developed, as some of the jointed concrete parted from the free surface. In addition to bolts, subsequent models with identical fracture planes were supported with steel mesh or with glass reinforced polymer skin bonded to the free side. Loads and displacements were compared for models with and without skin reinforcement. As expected the skin support helped resist gutter formation, to various degrees, while increasing the residual strength of the concrete block. It was found that there was significantly less bedding displacements in models with the polymer skin, when compared with both steel mesh and no skin reinforcement. This suggests that there would be benefits to using a spray on polymeric skin as surface support in roofs subject to severe roof shear., Jan Nemcik, Ernest Baafi and Ian Porter., and Obsahuje bibliografii