Risk considerations for crown pillar stability assessment for mine closure planning

Evaluation of the long-term surface stability of crown pillars overlying underground mines is an important component of mine closure planning. The definition of a crown pillar, as well as a brief discussion of the assessment of the probability and consequence of crown pillar failure are given in this paper. Techniques for stability assessment using mechanistic, empirical and numerical simulation techniques are discussed. Consequence assessment is discussed, but is still subjective and difficult to quantify. Where crown pillars are suspected to be marginally stable or unstable either at the time of the investigation or over the long term, and where the consequence of failure is medium to high, the closure plan for the site must include proposed rehabilitation alternatives. Selection of the optimum solution depends largely upon financial considerations, but also upon the common public expectation that the result of mine closure planning be a permanent solution that does not restrict public access or future land use on the site.     

Monitoring the performance of rock reinforcement

A rock mechanics program has been developed and implemented in order to achieve a safe and economical room and pillar extraction of the shallow dipping orebodies at the McArthur River Mine in Australia. Three closely spaced tabular orebodies have been targeted for extraction over the life of the mine and due to economics the lowermost number 2 orebody is being mined first. This paper formulates the calculation of the 2 Orebody hangingwall spans and the appropriate rock reinforcement design for the long-term stability of the room and pillar excavations. The field trials suggested that a rock beam was formed within the hangingwall of the room and pillar operations, arresting any vertical movement of the roof. The results indicated that the weight of the beam is transferred to the pillars via an arching process and there is no need for deep-anchored reinforcement.     

大采高综放面区段煤柱合理留设研究

侧向支承压力分布、资源回收率以及煤柱和巷道的稳定性是大采高综放面区段煤柱宽度留设要兼顾的因素,为了确定大采高综放面区段煤柱宽度,以某矿8103面为工程背景,首先,采用理论计算和现场应力监测等方法确定大采高综放工作面倾向支承压力分布规律,得出应力降低区宽度约为8 m,原岩应力区为巷帮侧28 m外。其次,采用工程类比方法确定大采高综放工作面巷帮外侧煤体严重破裂区宽度约为4 m。最后,采用FLAC3D数值软件分析了下区段工作面回采时窄煤柱（6、8 m）和宽煤柱（28、30 m）的应力场、位移场及塑性区特征,获得不同煤柱宽度时巷道和煤柱力学特征。研究表明：当煤柱宽度6 m和8 m时,在采动支承压力下煤柱几乎无承载能力,且巷道变形量较大;当煤柱宽度28 m和30 m时,在采动支承压力下煤柱中央仍有一定的弹性核,煤柱保持稳定且巷道变形量较小。综合考虑资源回收、巷道稳定性、次生灾害控制等因素,确定大采高综放工作面区段煤柱宽度为28 m。     

Yield pillars for stress control in longwall mines — case study

Summary The demand for increased productivity and the problems associated with mining at greater depths have increased the interest in using the yield pillar concept in the United States. This paper summarizes chain pillar behaviour in a mine that historically experienced coal bumps in both room-and-pillar and longwall sections. Results indicate that, generally, the chain pillars yield as designed, but that yielding occurred either after development or with approach of the longwall face. The Bureau of Mines investigated several yield pillar design approaches to possibly explain observed differences in pillar behaviour. These approaches suggest that very localized conditions, such as coal and rock properties, cover depth, and extraction height, may influence the behaviour of any one pillar. At this mine, yielding chain pillars result in de-stressing of the longwall entries and the transfer of potentially dangerous stress concentrations to adjacent panels. Pre-longwall-mining behaviour indicates the existence of a pressure arch, the width of which increases with depth. Results indicate that use of yield pillars improves stress control, reduces bump potential, and increases resource recovery.     

Numerical Analysis of Sill and Crown Pillar Stability for Multilevel Cut and Fill Stopes in Different Geomining Conditions

A steeply dipping orebody, having decreasing width with depth has been modeled considering horizontal cut and fill method of stoping at four different depth levels. The focus of the study is to identify and understand the behavior of crown and sill pillars in terms of varying stress and geo-mining conditions without reinforcement using finite element method. Analysis of stresses, displacements and extent of yield zones around the excavation is carried out by varying the rock mass conditions such as geological strength index, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS or σ _ci), modulus of elasticity (E), and thickness of crown and sill pillars (T). These analyses have been conducted based on 135 non-linear numerical models considering Drucker–Prager material model in plane strain condition. Results of the study provide valuable insight into the stress concentration factors of the pillars highlighting stress distributions, roof convergence, yield zones and support requirements. Finally, it suggests the optimum thickness of crown and sill pillar with varying thickness of orebody.     

矿柱安全留设尺寸的宽度折减法与应用

从岩石强度理论出发,提出房柱式开采中矿柱安全留设尺寸的宽度折减法思想,通过不断折减矿柱宽度,研究矿柱由稳定状态向临界失稳状态演化过程,从而得到矿柱的临界宽度,引入矿柱安全系数,获得矿柱安全留设尺寸。采用宽度折减法对磨坊矿3#井房柱法开采矿柱安全留设尺寸进行研究,获得不同矿房跨度下矿柱的安全留设宽度。将宽度折减法得到的安全矿柱宽度与Lunder经验公式比较,研究发现,宽度折减法得到的安全矿柱宽度和Lunder经验公式的计算结果较为吻合且偏安全。结合磨坊矿3#井的开采条件和矿柱宽度折减法分析结果,确定矿房基本参数为：矿房跨度为13 m左右,矿柱宽度为5.0～5.5 m。通过对磨坊矿3#井采空区上覆岩层移动规律的监测,发现岩层相对稳定,地表沉降量控制在120～150 mm之间,用宽度折减法分析得到的矿房基本参数是合理的。     

A Comparative Analysis of Pillar Design Methods and its Application to Marble Mines

Summary. The methods for designing pillars in underground mines are fundamentally based on empirical formulae that do not take into account the quality of the rock mass as an input parameter. This makes them difficult to apply in other types of ground that are different to those used to establish each empirical formula. To avoid this inconvenience, the present paper examines existing empirical formulae to then propose a modification of these formulae adjusting the resistance of the pillars on the basis of the RMR (Bieniawski’s Rock Mass Rating). The compression safety factor of the pillars is analyzed for each modified formula and a study is carried out of shear failure if planes of weakness exist in the pillars. Finally, the safety factors of the pillars in a marble mine situated in Alicante (Southern Spain) were calculated in order to validate the new formulae. From the results obtained, it is concluded that this new formulation determines the safety factor of pillars of the mine with greater reliability, provided that the pillars are isolated. At the same time, the introduction of the RMR in the formulae results in a better fit of the strength of each pillar to the characteristics of the rock mass.     

三山岛金矿矿柱的稳定分析

本文基于三山岛金矿工程地质条件，针对设计所提出的采场和矿柱的尺寸，提出了分析矿柱稳定性的一种新的方法，并应用该方法分析了矿柱的稳定性；同时，提出了提高矿柱承载能力的一种有效途径。另外，还详细讨论了矿柱顶点的深度与长度之间存在的关系。     

Prediction of uniaxial compression PFC3D model micro‐properties using artificial neural networks

Artificial neural networks are used to predict the micro‐properties of particle flow code in three dimensions (PFC3D) models needed to reproduce macro‐properties of cylindrical rock samples in uniaxial compression tests. Data for the training and verification of the networks were obtained by running a large number of PFC3D models and observing the resulting macro‐properties. Four artificial networks based on two different architectures were used. The networks used different numbers of input parameters to predict the micro‐properties. Multi‐layer perceptron networks using Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, uniaxial compressive strength, model particle resolution and the maximum‐to‐minimum particle ratio showed excellent performance in both training and verification. Adding one more variable—namely, minimum particle radius—showed degrading performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improvements in resource recovery at Stauffer's Big Island Mine

Summary Significant increases in extraction ratio on the order of 6 to 8%, equivalent to as much as 142 t/m of panel advance, have occurred at the Big Island Mine during the last five years with the help of a practical rock mechanics program. This increase in resource recovery has also contributed to improvements in productivity. Both conventional and continuous machine mining have been used to mine two flat-laying trona beds at depths of 250 and 260 m in the Green River Formation in southwestern Wyoming.Conventional room and pillar mining originally was conducted in panels with extraction ratios of 58 to 60%. The use of yield pillars has allowed the panel extraction to increase to 66%. Continuous machine mining was introduced recently, with a 64% extraction ratio using long, narrow pillars and wide rooms. Further improvements in resource recovery seem feasible in the light of present mining experience.The rock mechanics program consisted of field instrumentation to determine the pillar and roof response to mining, and computer modelling to evaluate and help determine the stability of various layouts, which were then adopted for mining.     

金属矿山阶段嗣后充填胶结充填体矿柱力学模型分析

矿柱宽度和充填体自立高度是阶段嗣后充填顺利实施的重要影响因素。基于弹性力学平面应变基本假设,建立阶段嗣后胶结充填体矿柱力学模型并进行理论求解。以某铁矿为工程分析实例,采用控制变量法（CVM）研究矿柱不同宽度、高度条件下,水平应力和剪应力的变化规律。研究表明：矿房极限宽度和高度分别为19.8 m和103.2 m。胶结充填体矿柱水平应力随矿柱高度的增高而逐渐增大;剪应力在矿柱中心位置达到最大,且高度越大,剪应力值也越大。在胶结充填体矿柱与非胶结充填体接触侧剪应力趋于定值。矿柱宽度分别为15、18、20 m时,其剪应力分别为243.8、292.6、325.1 kPa。而产生剪应力的主要原因是非胶结充填体受水平应力作用在与胶结充填体矿柱接触面产生滑动摩擦力所致。     

复用回采巷道护巷煤柱合理宽度研究

为解决高瓦斯工作面双U型巷道布置中煤柱损失大、相邻工作面复用回采巷道维护困难的难题,综合采用理论分析、数值计算和现场试验的方法,研究得到煤柱宽度对相邻两工作面之间煤柱内复用巷道围岩应力分布和变形特征的影响规律：随着巷道一侧煤柱宽度的增加,巷道围岩垂直应力峰值向一侧移动,并逐渐远离巷道;当巷道一侧煤柱较小时,巷道以窄煤柱帮变形和顶板下沉为主,随着煤柱宽度增加,底鼓增大并成为巷道主要变形。以煤柱内应力峰值比值为指标,分析煤柱宽度与巷道稳定性的关系,并将不同宽度煤柱进行了稳定性分区。研究成果成功应用于工程实践,为类似条件下巷道布置提供依据。     

Ultimate bearing capacity and settlement of coal pillar sub-strata

Summary This paper develops a rational approach for design of coal pillars under weak floor strata conditions considering ultimate bearing capacity (UBC) as well as pillar settlement. An approximate solution is presented for estimation of UBC for a shallow foundation on a two-layered rock system with consideration of both cohesion (c) and (ø) for both layers. Similarly, deformability underneath a full-size pillar is estimated from deformability calculated from plate loading tests. The effect of adjacent pillars on UBC and deformability of coal pillars in a panel is considered using foundation engineering analysis techniques. The design of pillars based on limiting settlements considers both differential settlements as well as mean settlement of pillar in a panel. An attempt is made to validate the proposed design approach based on field data and observations at an Illinois mine.     

细长窄煤柱破坏机理的数值分析

对特厚煤层条件下采用螺旋钻机开采细长窄煤柱的破坏过程进行了数值模拟。模拟结果再现了开采过程中煤柱破坏发生、发展直至塑性区贯通破坏的全过程,并从应力场演化分析了煤柱破坏过程的应力分布特征及破坏机理。     

煤柱下底板偏应力区域特征及案例

选取某煤矿近距离煤层为工程背景,采用FLAC3D模拟了8#煤层残余煤柱底板偏应力场分布特征。结果表明：（1）底板的偏应力呈扩散状向底板传递,距离煤柱越远扩散范围越广,煤柱边缘偏应力呈45°向底板传播;（2）煤柱较窄时,中线和边缘处偏应力影响深度浅,随煤柱宽度增加,底板偏应力变化和影响深度较大,当煤柱宽度足够大时,影响深度又变浅,中部趋于原岩应力;（3）同一水平面上,偏应力呈马鞍状分布,随煤柱宽度增加,煤柱中线处和边缘处偏应力经历了先增大后减小的过程,煤柱边缘处偏应力峰值位置变化不大;（4）同一煤柱宽度,煤柱边缘偏应力峰值向深部递减且趋势减慢,同时,峰值远离煤柱且趋势加快。在自由边界受均布载荷、底板垂直应力、水平应力、切应力解析解的基础上,推导了底板偏应力解析公式,解析与模拟结果基本吻合。具体到该工程的地质条件,9205轨道巷距离煤柱边缘20 m、9205回风巷在煤柱边缘、9205运输巷在煤柱中线处,9205轨道巷维护效果最好,证明了内错式巷道且距离煤柱足够远时,偏应力较小,宏观应力环境更适合巷道围岩自稳。     

Effect of pillar reinforcement on long-term stability of an oil shale mine

Summary Stability in Exxon's Colony Pilot Mine in the Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado has been monitored by periodic pillar stress determinations and roof to floor convergence measurements since 1971. Pillar failure has caused marginal stability in some areas of the mine. Measurements taken during the process of failure provided valuable information on thein situ pillar strength and long-term behaviour of the mine structure. Four pillars were reinforced by 32 mm (1.25 in.) diameter tensioned grouted bolts to increase long-term stability in the northern area of the mine. Stability of this area is necessary because future plans envisage its use as an exit/access and ventilation exhaust.Computer analyses were performed to help evaluate the effect of pillar reinforcement on long-term stability. Results indicate that bolting is particularly useful in stabilizing failed pillars, but its effects are significant only in the immediate area of the pillar. The projected significant decrease in deformation of two extensively failed pillars near a main entry indicates that bolting reinforcement will assist the long-term stability of the opening.     

BP和RBF在断层防水煤柱留设宽度预测中的应用

在总结全国各典型煤矿断层防水煤柱相关资料的基础上,以水头压力、煤层厚度、安全系数、煤的抗张强度为主要影响因子,选择有代表性的样本数据,通过Matlab软件构建了BP和RBF神经网络模型,对各煤矿断层防水煤柱的留设宽度进行了预测,并与规程经验公式计算的结果进行了对比。结果显示,在煤矿断层防水煤柱留设宽度预测中,RBF神经网络比BP神经网络的训练速度更快,效率更高,具有更加广阔的应用前景。      

Stability evaluation method for hyperbolic coal pillars under the coupling effects of high temperature and ground stress

We studied an underground coal gasification technique using strip mining-face mining gasifier controlled retraction injection technology (SMFM). This green mining approach offers several advantages over conventional strip mining but the stress distribution and stability of SMFM operations remain largely untested. In particular, hyperbolic coking pillars are used in SMFM compared with rectangular pillars used in traditional strip mining, which can influence the ultimate bearing capacity and stability. We use numerical simulations to investigate the influence of different factors (arch height, pillar height and width, mechanical characteristics), under the coupling effect of high temperature, on the ultimate bearing capacity of hyperbolic pillars. Our results indicate that arch height has a strong influence on pillar stress, while changes in pillar width and height are less significant. A stability evaluation method is proposed and tested on a case study in Inner Mongolia. Our theoretical results have practical significance for the promotion and application of SMFM.     

Research on reasonable coal pillar width of roadway driven along goaf in deep mine

Driving roadway along a goaf is commonly adopted for mining face of thick seam in a deep mine. Determining a reasonable width of coal pillar is a key scientific problem for driving roadway along a goaf in a deep mine. The paper took a roadway driven along a goaf at Zhaolou coal mine which is a typical kilometer-deep mine in China as engineering background. Field monitoring, model test, and numerical experiment are conducted. Stress and displacement evolution mechanism are analyzed with different pillar widths. The test results show that with the increase of coal pillar width, the peak stress value at the coal pillar working slope and integrated coal beside the roadway increases firstly and then tends to be stable, its position is transferred to the side of the roadway, and the deformation of coal pillar decreases gradually during roadway excavation. The coal pillar deformation and roadway vertical displacement increased as the coal pillar width increases under high abutment pressure. In order to reduce the waste of non-renewable resources and meet the requirements of bearing capacity and stability of coal pillars, a method is proposed for setting a reasonable width of coal pillars and the specific width of coal pillars is designed and applied in engineering practices based on the above research. All the tests are significant in the study of driving roadway along a goaf in a deep mine.     

Improving Short- and Long-term Stability of Underground Gypsum Mine Using Partial and Total Backfill

The stability of underground mines represents a key issue for active and abandoned mines. Over the last few years, several collapses of underground mines in France have affected existing buildings and infrastructures. Many factors are generally identified as the cause of failures: pillar ageing, fractures, and pillars’ height to width ratio, etc. Among the treatment techniques available to prevent instability and reduce the deterioration of pillars, backfill is the most frequently used. A research programme, supported by the French Ministry of the Environment, was developed to study the operability of partial and total backfill using waste material in the Livry-Gargan gypsum mine (near Paris, France), where pillar height is 17 m. The paper focuses on: (1) the characterisation of the gypsum and fill material (laboratory and in situ tests), (2) the in situ measurements, involving 5 pillars equipped with 19 pressure cells, since 1999, (3) and numerical modelling of fractured pillars performed in order to improve understanding of the effects of backfill on the stability of room-and-pillar mines. The study clearly shows the operability and the advantages of partial and total backfill for short-term pillar stability. The induced horizontal pressure generated by backfill can reach 200 kPa. The use of numerical modelling also shows the effect of backfill on fractures and that backfill reduces indicatively the shear displacement and the opening of fractures. Numerical modelling helps in identifying the mechanisms of backfill and in a better understanding of the behaviour of backfilled mines.