Using a Fluid-Solid Coupled Numerical Simulation to Determine a Suitable Size for Barrier Pillars When Mining Shallow Coal Seams Beneath an Unconsolidated, Confined Aquifer

作者：Chen, Luwang; Feng, Xiaoqing^*; Xie, Wenping; Zeng, Wen; Zheng, Zhiyuan

来源：Mine Water and the Environment, 2017, 36(1): 67-77.

DOI：10.1007/s10230-016-0404-6

• Unconsolidated and confined aquifer
• Fluid-solid coupled numerical simulation
• Waterproof coal pillar
• Shallow coal seam

Barrier pillars are an effective and fundamental measure to prevent water inrush when mining shallow coal seams under an unconsolidated, confined aquifer. Based on the complex geological and hydrogeological conditions in the southern area of the Qidong coal mine, the no. 6(1) coal seam there was selected for a research demonstration. A fluid-solid coupled numerical simulation was carried out using the universal distinct element code. The hydraulic pressures and seepage rates in overlying strata were analyzed for two mining cases, near the aquifer and near the fault. The results showed that the degree of interconnection between the bed-separated and vertical fractures, and increases in hydraulic pressures and seepage rates in overlying strata were key factors in predicting potential water inrush when mining shallow coal seams under an unconsolidated, confined aquifer. Combining the numerical simulation results with China's coal mining requirements, the no. 6(1) coal seam can be mined up to 90 m beneath the unconsolidated, confined aquifer, which limits mining to an altitude of -509.36 m. The width of the barrier pillar should be 30.7 m near the fault.

• 出版日期2017-3
• 单位合肥工业大学