Stresses and displacements due to underground mining using a finite element procedure

Summary A two dimensional finite element procedure is applied to simulate a coal mining excavation sequence. A procedure with linear solution steps is developed and applied to an idealized mountain cross-section with exceptionally thick coal seams and large dip angle. The results provide information on pillar pressure, floor and roof stability, displacement characteristics and surface subsidence.The results presented here were obtained in the course of research sponsored by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, Grant No. 69-2570.