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Numerical modelling of multistage caving processes: insights from multi‐seam longwall mining‐induced subsidence
Author(s) -
Ghabraie Behrooz,
Ghabraie Kazem,
Ren Gang,
Smith John V.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.419
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1096-9853
pISSN - 0363-9061
DOI - 10.1002/nag.2659
Subject(s) - longwall mining , subsidence , excavation , mining engineering , geology , computer simulation , finite element method , rock mass classification , process (computing) , ground subsidence , geotechnical engineering , numerical models , numerical analysis , numerical modeling , engineering , coal mining , computer science , structural engineering , simulation , coal , paleontology , structural basin , geophysics , operating system , waste management , mathematical analysis , mathematics
Summary Evaluating the induced subsidence is a critical step in multi‐seam longwall mining. Numerical modelling can be a cost‐effective approach to this problem. Numerical evaluation of longwall mining‐induced subsidence is much more complicated when more than one seam is to be extracted. Only a few research works have dealt with this problem. This paper discusses the essential requirements of a robust numerical modelling approach to simulation of multi‐seam longwall mining‐induced subsidence. In light of these requirements, the previous works on this topic are critically reviewed. A simple yet robust FEM‐based modelling approach is also proposed that is capable of simulating caving process, rock mass deterioration and subsidence around multi‐seam excavations. The effectiveness of this approach in comparison with two other conventional FEM approaches is demonstrated through numerical examples of two different multi‐seam mining configurations. Results show that the proposed numerical modelling approach is the only robust method, which is capable of simulating multi‐seam subsidence in both demonstrated cases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.