A Novel Comprehensive Detection Method for the Dynamic Characteristics of Coalface Overburden: A Case Study in China
Accurate and efficient acquisition of information about the dynamic characteristics of coalface overburden can provide an important theoretical basis for green mining in coal producing regions in western China. In this study, a novel method for comprehensively detecting the dynamic behavior of coalface overburden is proposed in order to address deficiencies of the existing detection methods. The new method combines surface radon measurement, overburden borehole imaging, and underground pressure observation into a comprehensive detection technology system, resulting in spatial and temporal integration of surface, overburden, and underground detection. To examine the feasibility of the proposed method, a field experiment was carried out at #1103 coalface in the Suancigou Coal Mine, which is operated by the Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Co. Ltd. The results of the three approaches are largely consistent and they complement one another. But it must be pointed out that this method needs to be further improved by more field experiments. Based on the experimental results, a technique for forced caving by presplit blasting of the overburden was developed and then implemented to #1103 coalface. The practical use of the technique led to good results: it effectively prevented roof associated accidents by controlling the first weighting step to about 82 m, contributing to safe and efficient mining; coal production was expected to increase about 126 kilotons.