Application of numerical simulation using a progressive failure approach to underground coal mine stability analysis

Stability in underground coal mines is of major concern to the coal industry due to its effect on both safety and productivity. Consequently, this can have a great influence on the design of efficient mine systems. In this work a progressive failure approach was used to simulate underground coal mine stability at two different mines. The two mines considered have different characteristics. Two- and three-dimensional finite element models were created to model different areas of a longwall mine. Different chain pillar configurations were considered and the resulting stress distributions were comparable to field measurements. A complete mine section was successfully modeled taking into consideration face advancement. The roof above entry intersections was also modeled using laminated composite simulation and the finite element method. The results showed trends similar to field observations. In addition, the progressive development of subsidence for the two different mines was simulated. The same variation in subsidence behavior recorded at the mine was realized in the finite element simulation.;The progressive failure approach used in this work can successfully simulate underground coal mine stability. It can also be a helpful tool in the design of more efficient mine systems which can increase productivity and maintain a high level of safety.