Semi-empirical method for calculation of maximum subsidence in coal mines

Summary Most empirical methods of subsidence prediction are based on the prior knowledge of the maximum possible subsidence, S_max, for a particular coalfield. The subsidence profile and other associated parameters along a desired line may be derived, in most cases, as a function of S_max. These methods are site specific and are not based upon the rational concepts of mechanics. Purely mechanistic methods, on the other hand, could not find wide application because of their limitations in representing the complex behaviour of a rockmass.Therefore a semi-empirical method of calculation of S_max or S, which is an improvement over the empirical method reported elsewhere (Bahuguna et al., 1991a), has been derived from combining the mechanistic and empirical approach. The effects of various parameters are studied by numerical modelling. These qualitative results are then used to influence the development of a more general semiempirical method. The method has been tested for 125 coal mine workings in India and 22 mines of the North Appalachian basin. The method is easily adaptable to other countries.