A Stress Rotation–Based Method for Improving Roof Stability of a Deep Longwall Panel
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 23, Issue 7
Abstract
Stress concentration has commonly been underlined, whereas stress rotation has attracted little attention in deep mining. In this study, we aimed to introduce the phenomenon of stress rotation into the roof control of a deep longwall panel. Microseismic monitoring has revealed that roof activity presents an asymmetrical distribution, being more active on the tailgate side than on the maingate side. Front abutment stress presents a symmetrical distribution, which is inconsistent with that of the roof microseismicity. Such inconsistency implies that roof stability is not only related to stress magnitude, but is also sensitive to stress orientation. Accordingly, the characteristics of stress rotation were thoroughly analyzed. By taking a vertical plane parallel to the face-advance direction as the reference, the stress-rotation trajectory was divided into slow deviation, fast approach, and synergistic rotation stages, showing asymmetrical distribution on a stereogram. Moreover, the area sensitive to stress orientation was identified and overlaid on the stereogram with the rotation trajectory, revealing the mechanisms underlying the variation in roof stability in the face-length direction. Thus, the more-active roof microseismicity on the tailgate side is reasonably explained. Based on the overlaid images, a stress rotation–based method is proposed for improving roof stability. Its effectiveness has been proven by laser scanning results on the state of the hydraulic supports and the face wall.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51934008, 51904304). It was also supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. 2022YQNY13). The authors are grateful for their support.
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International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 23 • Issue 7 • July 2023
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© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Jul 25, 2022
Accepted: Nov 30, 2022
Published online: Apr 25, 2023
Published in print: Jul 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Sep 25, 2023
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