Numerical Analysis of an Interaction between Hydraulic-Powered Support and Surrounding Rock Strata

Abstract

Longwall mining is the only technically proven and well-established mining method used worldwide for extracting coal from deep mines. In this paper, two-dimensional (2D) continuum finite-element models of longwall panels are developed and analyzed to understand the interaction of hydraulic-powered support with surrounding rock strata (i.e., roof, floor, and coal seam). The finite-element models thus developed include the structural components of hydraulic-powered support, the surrounding rock mass, and broken rocks. The study focuses on the evaluation of strata behavior while the coal face is supported by hydraulic-powered supports of different capacities. The results from finite-element models are further analyzed in terms of stress distribution in hydraulic legs, abutment, and roof-to-floor convergence. Statistical relations are developed based on deterministic finite-element results, which provide a good correlation with the field measurements.