Modelling study for assessment of strata behaviour in bord and pillar working under soft floor condition

Abstract

Safe and successful mining operation in bord and pillar workings under soft floor conditions requires a proper understanding of strata behaviour for better planning of mining layouts and selection of suitable mining horizon for better strata control and management of conditions arising due to excessive roof–floor convergence in the workings. This paper illustrates a modelling approach to assess the caving behaviour of strata, stress concentration, and roof–floor reactions in a depillaring bord and pillar working of Singareni coalfields in India. Assessment of floor heaving and roof–floor convergence in junctions of advance galleries is conducted with progressive goaf exposure. The calibrated model is used to predict the strata behaviour and roof–floor reactions in another depillaring panel. The modelling study has been helpful in better understanding of strata control issues for a confident decision making to ensure better safety and productivity of mine workings.