Developmental pattern of water flowing fractured zones in the soil-bedrock-type overburden and water-controlled mining strategy under a super-large mining height

Authors

ZHANG Yujun, CCTEG Coal Mining Research Institute, Beijing 100013, China; Coal Mining and Designing Department, Tiandi Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100013, China; State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Coal Mining and Strata Control, Beijing 100013, ChinaFollow
HUA Zhaolai, Shaanxi Shanmei Caojiatan Mining Co., Ltd., Yulin 719302, China
SONG Yejie, CCTEG Coal Mining Research Institute, Beijing 100013, China; Coal Mining and Designing Department, Tiandi Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100013, China; State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Coal Mining and Strata Control, Beijing 100013, China
HU Haoyu, Mining Research Branch, CCTEG China Coal Research Institute, Beijing 100013, China
LI Jiawei, CCTEG Coal Mining Research Institute, Beijing 100013, China; Mining Research Branch, CCTEG China Coal Research Institute, Beijing 100013, China

Abstract

Background The heights of water flowing fractured zones represent a key concern in the prevention and control of water disasters occurring in mining face roofs and water resource protection of coal mines. Varying lithologies and structures of the overburden are identified as primary factors governing the height and characteristic differences of water flowing fractured zones. Methods Against the engineering background of a mining face with 10 m super-large mining height in the Caojiatan Coal Mine of Shaanxi Province, this study investigated the differences in the mining-induced responses of the soil-bedrock-type overburden using numerical simulations of stress-seepage coupling and measured heights of water flowing fractured zones in the overburden. Furthermore, this study proposed a water-controlled mining strategy in the presence of composite water bodies in the roof and analyzed the performance of mining using this strategy. Results and Conclusions The results indicate that the roof of the mining face with 10 m super high mining height represents a typical overburden structure of the soil-bedrock type. The laterites in the overburden enable fracture healing, resulting in repeat water resistance and thus inhibiting mining-induced fractures. Accordingly, the fractured zone/mining height ratio of the mining face is 22.56, and mining-induced fractures largely propagate below the laterites. Although very few fractures extend to laterites, the overall water resistance of the laterites remains. In this case, the bedrock and laterites exhibit the variation pattern of traditional water flowing fractured zones. Based on the analysis of the evolution of mining-induced failures in the overburden and the water filling pattern of the roof aquifer, this study proposed a water-controlled mining strategy consisting of the precise drainage of static reserves, increased discharge and water diversion for dynamic supply, full-space flow field monitoring, and the prevention of local roof cutting and leakage. A comprehensive analysis of multiple factors, including water levels in long-term hydrological observation holes, water inflow along the mining face, and hydrochemistry during the mining process, reveals that the mining-induced fractures only propagated to bedrock fissures and the aquifer in the weathering zone, while the Quaternary aquifer was unaffected by mining. These contribute to the safe and efficient water-controlled mining of the mining face with a super-large mining height. The results of this study can provide a basis for the prevention and control of the overburden failure and water disasters, as well as water resources protection, in mining with super-large mining heights and high mining intensity in China.

Keywords

super-large mining height, water flowing fractured zone, soil-bedrock-type overburden, stress-seepage coupling numerical simulation, mining-induced response, water-controlled mining

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.04.0267

Recommended Citation

ZHANG Yujun, HUA Zhaolai, SONG Yejie, et al. (2025) "Developmental pattern of water flowing fractured zones in the soil-bedrock-type overburden and water-controlled mining strategy under a super-large mining height," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 53: Iss. 7, Article 12.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.04.0267
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol53/iss7/12

Reference

[1] 王锐，徐刚，康红普，等. 曹家滩煤矿10 m超大采高工作面采场围岩控制技术[J]. 煤炭学报，2025，50(4)：1935−1950.

WANG Rui，XU Gang，KANG Hongpu，et al. Surrounding rock control technology of 10 m super large mining height working face in Caojiatan coal mine[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2025，50(4)：1935−1950.

[2] 张玉军，申晨辉，张志巍，等. 我国厚及特厚煤层高强度开采导水裂缝带发育高度区域分布规律[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2022，50(5)：38−48.

ZHANG Yujun，SHEN Chenhui，ZHANG Zhiwei，et al. Regional distribution law of water–conducting fractured zone height in high–strength mining of thick and extra–thick coal seams in China[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2022，50(5)：38−48.

[3] 张玉军，张志巍. 煤层采动覆岩破坏规律与控制技术研究进展[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2020，48(11)：85−97.

ZHANG Yujun，ZHANG Zhiwei. Research progress of mining overlying stratas failure law and control technology[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2020，48(11)：85−97.

[4] 张玉军，李友伟，肖杰，等. 厚土层薄基岩高强度开采覆岩破坏高度与特征[J]. 采矿与岩层控制工程学报，2023，5(2)：023015.

ZHANG Yujun，LI Youwei，XIAO Jie，et al. Failure height and characteristics of overlying strata in high–intensity mining with thick soil and thin bedrock[J]. Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering，2023，5(2)：023015.

[5] 王双明，魏江波，宋世杰，等. 黄河流域陕北煤炭开采区厚砂岩对覆岩采动裂隙发育的影响及采煤保水建议[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2022，50(12)：1−11.

WANG Shuangming，WEI Jiangbo，SONG Shijie，et al. Influence of thick sandstone on development of overburden mining fissures in northern Shaanxi coal mining area of Yellow River Basin and suggestions on water–preserved coal mining[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2022，50(12)：1−11.

[6] 郭文兵，赵高博，白二虎. 煤矿高强度长壁开采覆岩破坏充分采动及其判据[J]. 煤炭学报，2020，45(11)：3657−3666.

GUO Wenbing，ZHAO Gaobo，BAI Erhu. Critical failure of overlying rock strata and its criteria induced by high–intensity longwall mining[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2020，45(11)：3657−3666.

[7] 杨达明，郭文兵，谭毅，等. 高强度开采覆岩岩性及其裂隙特征[J]. 煤炭学报，2019，44(3)：786−795.

YANG Daming，GUO Wenbing，TAN Yi，et al. Lithology and fissure characteristics of overburden in high–intensity mining[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2019，44(3)：786−795.

[8] 张金金，杜航，张嘉晨，等. 浅埋煤层综放开采导水裂隙发育特征及隔水层稳定性研究[J]. 煤炭工程，2024，56(1)：78−85.

ZHANG Jinjin，DU Hang，ZHANG Jiachen，et al. Development characteristics of water flowing fracture and stability of aquiclude in longwall top–coal caving of shallow coal seam[J]. Coal Engineering，2024，56(1)：78−85.

[9] 李江华，王东昊，黎灵，等. 不同覆岩类型高强度采动裂隙发育特征对比研究[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2021，49(10)：9−15.

LI Jianghua，WANG Donghao，LI Ling，et al. Comparative study on development characteristics of high–intensive mining fissures in different overburden types[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2021，49(10)：9−15.

[10] 曹祖宝，王庆涛. 基于覆岩结构效应的导水裂隙带发育特征[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2020，48(3)：145−151.

CAO Zubao，WANG Qingtao. Development characteristics of water conducted fracture zone based on overburden structural effect[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2020，48(3)：145−151.

[11] 范钢伟，张东升，马立强. 神东矿区浅埋煤层开采覆岩移动与裂隙分布特征[J]. 中国矿业大学学报，2011，40(2)：196−201.

FAN Gangwei，ZHANG Dongsheng，MA Liqiang. Overburden movement and fracture distribution induced by longwall mining of the shallow coal seam in the Shendong coalfield[J]. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology，2011，40(2)：196−201.

[12] 纪洪广，孙利辉，宋朝阳，等. 西部矿区弱胶结地层工程围岩稳定性控制研究进展[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2023，51(1)：117−127.

JI Hongguang，SUN Lihui，SONG Zhaoyang，et al. Research progress on stability control of surrounding rock in weakly cemented strata engineering in Western China mining area[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2023，51(1)：117−127.

[13] 宋业杰，鞠文君，张玉军，等. 超大采高综采新近系红土层采动隔水性监测及响应特征[J]. 煤炭学报，2025，50(4)：2005−2019.

SONG Yejie，JU Wenjun，ZHANG Yujun，et al. Water–proof property monitoring and response characteristics of Neogene red soil layer during super–high mining fully mechanized[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2025，50(4)：2005−2019.

[14] 董敏涛. “天窗”隐蔽致灾因素地质–工程一体化普查技术[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2025，53(2)：22−32.

DONG Mintao. Geological–engineering integrated reconnaissance survey technology for skylights as a hidden disaster–causing factor[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2025，53(2)：22−32.

[15] 樊振丽，刘治国. 厚黏土层软弱覆岩采动破坏的泥盖效应[J]. 采矿与安全工程学报，2020，37(6)：1196−1204.

FAN Zhenli，LIU Zhiguo. Mud cover effect of mining–induced failure of soft overburden in thick clay strata[J]. Journal of Mining & Safety Engineering，2020，37(6)：1196−1204.

[16] 杨玉茹，李文平，王启庆. 上新世红土微观结构参数与渗透系数的变化关系研究[J]. 水文地质工程地质，2020，47(2)：153−160.

YANG Yuru，LI Wenping，WANG Qiqing. A study of the relationship between the coefficient of permeability and microstructure of the Pliocene laterite[J]. Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology，2020，47(2)：153−160.

[17] YANG Yuru，LI Wenping，WANG Qiqing，et al. Experimental study on water–sand inrush characteristics and transport evolution in coal mines with N₂ laterite[J]. Arabian Journal of Geosciences，2022，15(4)：366.

[18] 李文平，王启庆，李小琴. 隔水层再造：西北保水采煤关键隔水层N₂红土工程地质研究[J]. 煤炭学报，2017，42(1)：88−97.

LI Wenping，WANG Qiqing，LI Xiaoqin. Reconstruction of aquifuge：The engineering geological study of N₂ laterite located in key aquifuge concerning coal mining with water protection in Northwest China[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2017，42(1)：88−97.

[19] 张玉军，李凤明. 浅埋煤层高强度开采覆岩(土)破坏演化及溃沙控制技术[J]. 煤炭学报，2016，41(增刊1)：44−52.

ZHANG Yujun，LI Fengming. Failure characteristics of overburden rock (soil) and sand control technology in high strength mining of shallow coal seam[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2016，41(Sup.1)：44−52.

[20] 范立民，蒋泽泉，许开仓. 榆神矿区强松散含水层下采煤隔水岩组特性的研究[J]. 中国煤田地质，2003，15(4)：25−26.

FAN Limin，JIANG Zequan，XU Kaicang. Research on coal mining under competent loose aquifer and properties of aquiclude in Yushen mining area[J]. Coal Geology of China，2003，15(4)：25−26.

[21] 范立民. 保水采煤的科学内涵[J]. 煤炭学报，2017，42(1)：27−35.

FAN Limin. Scientific connotation of water–preserved mining[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2017，42(1)：27−35.

[22] 范立民，马雄德，冀瑞君. 西部生态脆弱矿区保水采煤研究与实践进展[J]. 煤炭学报，2015，40(8)：1711−1717.

FAN Limin，MA Xiongde，JI Ruijun. Progress in engineering practice of water–preserved coal mining in western eco–environment frangible area[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2015，40(8)：1711−1717.

[23] 黄庆享，张文忠. 浅埋煤层条带充填隔水岩组力学模型分析[J]. 煤炭学报，2015，40(5)：973−978.

HUANG Qingxiang，ZHANG Wenzhong. Mechanical model of water resisting strata group in shallow seam strip–filling mining[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2015，40(5)：973−978.

[24] 李涛，高颖，张嘉睿，等. 陕北保水采煤背景下MICP再造隔水土层的试验研究[J]. 煤炭学报，2021，46(9)：2984−2994.

LI Tao，GAO Ying，ZHANG Jiarui，et al. Experimental study on reconstruction of aquiclude by MICP under the background of water preserved coal mining in northern Shaanxi[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2021，46(9)：2984−2994.

[25] 康红普，李全生，张玉军，等. 我国煤矿绿色开采与生态修复技术发展现状及展望[J]. 绿色矿山，2023，1(1)：1−24.

KANG Hongpu，LI Quansheng，ZHANG Yujun，et al. Development status and prospect of greenmining and ecological restoration technology of coal mines in China[J]. Journal of Green Mine，2023，1(1)：1−24.

[26] 张东升，范钢伟，张世忠，等. 保水开采覆岩等效阻水厚度的内涵、算法与应用[J]. 煤炭学报，2022，47(1)：128−136.

ZHANG Dongsheng，FAN Gangwei，ZHANG Shizhong，et al. Equivalent water–resisting overburden thickness for water–conservation mining：Conception，method and application[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2022，47(1)：128−136.

[27] 徐智敏，孙亚军，高尚，等. 干旱矿区采动顶板导水裂隙的演化规律及保水采煤意义[J]. 煤炭学报，2019，44(3)：767−776.

XU Zhimin，SUN Yajun，GAO Shang，et al. Law of mining induced water conduction fissure in arid mining area and its significance in water–preserved coal mining[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2019，44(3)：767−776.

[28] 王洋，武强，丁湘，等. 深埋侏罗系煤层顶板水害源头防控关键技术[J]. 煤炭学报，2019，44(8)：2449−2459.

WANG Yang，WU Qiang，DING Xiang，et al. Key technologies for prevention and control of roof water disaster at sources in deep Jurassic seams[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2019，44(8)：2449−2459.

[29] 张玉军. 控水采煤技术原理、关键技术及在砂岩含水层下综放开采实践[J]. 煤炭学报，2020，45(10)：3380−3388.

ZHANG Yujun. Principle and key technologies of controlled water mining and practice of fully–mechanized mining under soft sandstone aquifer[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2020，45(10)：3380−3388.

[30] 张玉军，宋业杰，樊振丽，等. 鄂尔多斯盆地侏罗系煤田保水开采技术与应用[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2021，49(4)：159−168.

ZHANG Yujun，SONG Yejie，FAN Zhenli，et al. Technology and application of water–preserving mining in Jurassic coalfield in Ordos Basin[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2021，49(4)：159−168.

[31] 曾一凡，包函，武强，等. 新近系保德组沉积薄弱区红土阻水性能及其资源开发意义[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2023，51(10)：62−71.

ZENG Yifan，BAO Han，WU Qiang，et al. Water–blocking performance of laterite in weak deposition areas of Neogene Baode Formation and its significance of resource exploitation[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2023，51(10)：62−71.

[32] 张震，黄志增，刘晓刚，等. 曹家滩煤矿10 m超大采高覆岩垮落结构模型及矿压作用机理[J]. 煤炭学报，2025，50(4)：1951−1964.

ZHANG Zhen，HUANG Zhizeng，LIU Xiaogang，et al. Overburden destruction structure model and mechanism of mine pressure in Caojiatan coal mine with 10 m super large mining height[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2025，50(4)：1951−1964.

[33] 潘洪武，王伟，张丙印. 基于计算接触力学的粗颗粒土体材料细观性质模拟[J]. 工程力学，2020，37(7)：151−158.

PAN Hongwu，WANG Wei，ZHANG Bingyin. Simulation on meso–mechanical property of coarse–grained soil materials based on computational contact method[J]. Engineering Mechanics，2020，37(7)：151−158.

[34] ZHOU Shuwei，ZHUANG Xiaoying. Phase field modeling of hydraulic fracture propagation in transversely isotropic poroelastic media[J]. Acta Geotechnica，2020，15(9)：2599−2618.

[35] 陈丁，黄文雄，黄丹. 光滑粒子法中的摩擦接触算法及其在含界面土体变形问题中的应用[J]. 岩土力学，2024，45(3)：885−894.

CHEN Ding，HUANG Wenxiong，HUANG Dan. A frictional contact algorithm in smoothed particle method with application in large deformation of soils[J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics，2024，45(3)：885−894.

[36] 仵拨云，彭捷，向茂西，等. 榆神府矿区保水采煤受保护萨拉乌苏组含水层研究[J]. 采矿与安全工程学报，2018，35(5)：984−990.

WU Boyun，PENG Jie，XIANG Maoxi，et al. Research on Salawusu Formation aquifer protected by water preserving mining in Yushenfu mining area[J]. Journal of Mining & Safety Engineering，2018，35(5)：984−990.