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Verification of 3D Numerical Modeling Approach for Longwall Mines with a Case Study Mine from the Northern Appalachian Coal Fields

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Abstract

Accurately estimating load distributions and ground responses around underground openings plays a significant role in the safety of the operations in underground mines. Adequately designing pillars and other support measures relies highly on the accurate assessment of the mining-induced loads, as well as the load-bearing capacities of the supports. There are various methods that can be used to approximate mining-induced loads in stratified rock masses, both empirical and numerical. In this study, the numerical modeling approach recently developed at West Virginia University, which is based on the modeling approach developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is investigated using the finite difference software FLAC3D. The model includes the longwall panels, the adjacent chain pillar systems, and the different stratigraphic layers of the overburden. Using the 3D model, changes in loading conditions and deformations on the areas of interest, induced by an approaching longwall face, can be examined. This paper details the 3D modeling of a longwall panel utilizing this approach, and the verification of the results against field observations. The studied panel was 360 m wide with a 3-entry chain pillar system and about a 160-m average overburden depth around the studied area. The overburden strata consist of alternating layers of shale, sandstone, and limestone. The FLAC3D results were compared against field measurements from the mine site. The stress change values measured in the chain pillars were comparable with the modeling results. The model also replicated the surface subsidence profile obtained from field measurements fairly well. Overall, the 3D modeling approach was found to be successful for the case study longwall panel.

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Funding

This study was sponsored by the Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health, Inc. (Alpha Foundation).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA

    Deniz Tuncay & Ihsan Berk Tulu

  2. Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh, PA, 15236, USA

    Ted Klemetti

Authors
  1. Deniz Tuncay
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  2. Ihsan Berk Tulu
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  3. Ted Klemetti
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Deniz Tuncay, Ihsan Berk Tulu, and Ted Klemetti. The first draft of the manuscript was written collaboratively by all authors. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Deniz Tuncay.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not imply any endorsement by the Alpha Foundation, its Directors, and staff.

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mention of any company or product does not constitute an endorsement by NIOSH.

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Tuncay, D., Tulu, I.B. & Klemetti, T. Verification of 3D Numerical Modeling Approach for Longwall Mines with a Case Study Mine from the Northern Appalachian Coal Fields. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 38, 447–456 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-020-00312-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-020-00312-8

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