Strata Caving and Gob Evolution Characteristic in Longwall Mining

It is usually difficult to capture strata caving and gob evolution characteristic in longwall mining at engineering scales. This paper uses bonded block modelling (BBM) approach within a distinct element method (DEM) code to simulate strata behaviour in longwall mining, which captures the caving phenomena and bulking characteristics of roof strata successfully. Many features in longwall mining, including the caving and compaction of gob strata and the associated stress evolution, are reproduced in the model. Four zones in longwall gob are identified based on its stress characteristics: voussoir influencing zone, compacted zone, compacting zone, and pilling zone. The initial bulking factor of the caved strata ranges from 1.12 to 1.25 and decreases gradually to the residual bulk factor of approximately 1.05 as the longwall face advances. The caved strata in the longwall gob present strain hardening behaviour and the load carrying capacity increases exponentially as a function of strain. Moreover, the range of the interaction between the caving strata and the overburden in gob was discussed, which provides a reference when using a continuum method to simulate longwall mining.