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.