Evolutionary mechanisms and control strategies for surrounding rock stability of inclined shafts under groundwater seepage

Authors

ZHANG Cun, Inner Mongolia Research Institute, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ordos 017010, China; School of Energy and Mining Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, ChinaFollow
ZHAO Xiangyu, Inner Mongolia Research Institute, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ordos 017010, China
CHEN Yanhong, Inner Mongolia Research Institute, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ordos 017010, China
REN Zhaopeng, Inner Mongolia Research Institute, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ordos 017010, China
WU Runze, Inner Mongolia Research Institute, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Ordos 017010, China

Abstract

Background The western coal mining area has emerged as China’s primary coal production base. In this area, multiple ten-million-ton-scale coal mines are constructed using inclined shafts. Since inclined shafts run through multiple aquifers, many of them are subjected to shaft wall rupture and water inrushes to varying degrees.Methods This study aims to determine the impacts of groundwater seepage on the surrounding rock stability of inclined shafts. Using field survey, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation, this study investigated the shaft wall stability of the main inclined shaft in water-rich sections in the Xiaojihan Coal Mine.Results and Conclusions Theoretical analysis revealed the evolutionary patterns of the plastic zone in the surrounding rocks before and after water immersion-induced weakening under different polar angles and the combined effect of supports and pore water pressure. The results indicate that the plastic zone exhibited an approximately butterfly-shaped pattern, proving large in polar angle ranges of 0°‒45°, 135°‒225°, and 315°‒360° but small in polar angle ranges of 45°‒135° and 225°‒315°. Moreover, the radius of the plastic zone increased from 5.8 m to 8.0 m due to the water immersion-induced weakening. To elucidate the mechanisms behind water-induced degradation of the shaft walls and surrounding rocks, a fluid-solid coupling model for water immersion-induced weakening was established. With a decrease in the shaft wall strength, the plastic zone in the shaft cross-section expanded and was connected to the aquifer. Then, water from the aquifer further weakened the surrounding rocks of the shaft, significantly increasing the range and deformation amplitude of the plastic zone and ultimately leading to shaft wall instability. For inclined shafts running through aquifers, grouting schemes under different shaft wall strengths were proposed. The grouting effects were simulated by modifying the mechanical parameters and permeability coefficient of the surrounding rocks within the grouting zone. The simulation results demonstrate that grouting reinforcement can significantly enhance the stability of the inclined shaft wall by increasing surrounding rock strength and sealing aquifer fractures. Finally, the grouting reinforcement and water blocking schemes proposed in this study were applied in the field, significantly reducing water inflow.

Keywords

inclined shaft, surrounding rock stability, water immersion-induced weakening, fluid solid coupling, degradation mechanism, grouting reinforcement

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.07.0551

Recommended Citation

ZHANG Cun, ZHAO Xiangyu, CHEN Yanhong, et al. (2026) "Evolutionary mechanisms and control strategies for surrounding rock stability of inclined shafts under groundwater seepage," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 54: Iss. 2, Article 14.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.07.0551
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol54/iss2/14

Reference

[1] 方杰,徐智敏,程伟,等. 北方防沙带干旱半干旱露天矿区水资源保护利用关键技术与途径[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2025,53(7):12−26

FANG Jie,XU Zhimin,CHENG Wei,et al. Key technologies and approaches for water resource conservation and utilization in arid to semi–arid open–pit coal mining areas in the northern sand prevention belt of China[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2025,53(7):12−26

[2] 庞振忠,曾一凡,韩柯尧,等. 基于地层承载力约束的“煤–水”协调开采理论与工程实践[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2025,53(7):1−11

PANG Zhenzhong,ZENG Yifan,HAN Keyao,et al. Theory and engineering practice of coal–water coordinated mining based on constraints of formation bearing capacity[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2025,53(7):1−11

[3] 袁世冲,张改玲,郑国胜,等. 斜井穿越风积砂层水砂突涌注浆治理研究[J]. 煤炭学报,2018,43(4):1104−1110

YUAN Shichong,ZHANG Gailing,ZHENG Guosheng,et al. Grouting treatment of water and sand inrush into an inclined shaft in aeolian sand layer[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2018,43(4):1104−1110

[4] 隋旺华,王丹丹,孙亚军,等. 矿山水文地质结构及其采动响应[J]. 工程地质学报,2019,27(1):21−28

SUI Wanghua,WANG Dandan,SUN Yajun,et al. Mine hydrogeological structure and its responses to mining[J]. Journal of Engineering Geology,2019,27(1):21−28

[5] 华照来,范钢伟,史进,等. 水压–应力作用下井筒围岩的破坏机理与控制研究[J]. 煤炭工程,2024,56(6):126−134

HUA Zhaolai,FAN Gangwei,SHI Jin,et al. Failure mechanism and control of underground wall rock under the effect of water pressure stress[J]. Coal Engineering,2024,56(6):126−134

[6] 曹树刚,洛锋,程崇胜,等. 富水断层破碎带井筒围岩控制[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报,2014,33(8):1536−1545

CAO Shugang,LUO Feng,CHENG Chongsheng,et al. Surrounding rock control of shaft in water enriched fault fracture zone[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering,2014,33(8):1536−1545

[7] 薛维培,申磊,姚直书,等. 流固耦合状态下煤矿井壁破损透水机理研究[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2023,51(10):86−93

XUE Weipei,SHEN Lei,YAO Zhishu,et al. Water inrush mechanism of coal mine shaft fracture under fluid–solid coupling[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2023,51(10):86−93

[8] 岳中文,杨仁树,孙中辉,等. 富水厚砾石层斜井围岩破坏机理试验研究(Ⅱ)[J]. 煤炭学报,2010,35(8):1273−1278

YUE Zhongwen,YANG Renshu,SUN Zhonghui,et al. Test study on failure mechanism of the surrounding rock of inclined shaft in thick gravel stratum with abundant water (Ⅱ)[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2010,35(8):1273−1278

[9] 钱宏伟. 小纪汗煤矿含水煤层巷道变形机理研究[D]. 徐州：中国矿业大学，2015.

QIAN Hongwei. Study on the deformation mechanism of water–rich coal roadway of Xiaojihan coal mine[D]. Xuzhou：China University of Mining and Technology，2015.

[10] 张村,高敬宜,吴润泽,等. 含水饱和度影响下砂岩单轴压缩破碎特征及其弱化机理[J]. 中国矿业大学学报,2024,53(6):1117−1131

ZHANG Cun,GAO Jingyi,WU Runze,et al. Weakening mechanism and fragmentation characteristics under uniaxial compression of sandstone with different saturations[J]. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology,2024,53(6):1117−1131

[11] 蒋景东,陈生水,徐婕,等. 不同含水状态下泥岩的力学性质及能量特征[J]. 煤炭学报,2018,43(8):2217−2224

JIANG Jingdong,CHEN Shengshui,XU Jie,et al. Mechanical properties and energy characteristics of mudstone under different containing moisture states[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2018,43(8):2217−2224

[12] 陈光波,李谭,杨磊,等. 水岩作用下煤岩组合体力学特性与损伤特征[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2023,51(4):37−46

CHEN Guangbo,LI Tan,YANG Lei,et al. Mechanical properties and damage characteristics of coal–rock combined samples under water–rock interaction[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2023,51(4):37−46

[13] 王方田,张村,汤天阔,等. 循环水浸作用下煤体孔隙与损伤演化机制实验研究[J]. 矿业科学学报,2024,9(4):608−618

WANG Fangtian,ZHANG Cun,TANG Tiankuo,et al. Pore and strength damage evolution mechanism of coal induced by the circulating water immersion effect[J]. Journal of Mining Science and Technology,2024,9(4):608−618

[14] 姚强岭,王伟男,杨书懿,等. 含水率影响下砂质泥岩直剪特性及声发射特征[J]. 煤炭学报,2021,46(9):2910−2922

YAO Qiangling,WANG Weinan,YANG Shuyi,et al. Direct shear and acoustic emission characteristics of sandy mudstone under the effect of moisture content[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2021,46(9):2910−2922

[15] 姚强岭,朱柳,黄庆享,等. 含水率对细粒长石岩屑砂岩蠕变特征影响试验研究[J]. 采矿与安全工程学报,2019,36(5):1034−1042

YAO Qiangling,ZHU Liu,HUANG Qingxiang,et al. Experimental study on the effect of moisture content on creep characteristics of fine–grained feldspar lithic sandstone[J]. Journal of Mining & Safety Engineering,2019,36(5):1034−1042

[16] 李昂,杨钧皓,张文忠,等. 基于疏水降压法井筒渗水模拟试验与应用研究[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2025,53(2):301−313

LI Ang,YANG Junhao,ZHANG Wenzhong,et al. Experimental and applied research on wellbore water seepage simulation based on hydrophobic depressurization method[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2025,53(2):301−313

[17] 方刚,梁向阳,黄浩,等. 巴拉素井田煤层富水机理与注浆堵水技术[J]. 煤炭学报,2019,44(8):2470−2483

FANG Gang,LIANG Xiangyang,HUANG Hao,et al. Water–rich mechanism of coal seam and grouting and blocking water technology in Balasu mine field[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2019,44(8):2470−2483

[18] 许延春,高玉兵. 松散层段立井井筒破坏的试验研究及判据分析[J]. 煤炭工程,2015,47(11):87−89

XU Yanchun,GAO Yubing. Experimental research and criteria analysis on failure of vertical shaft in loose strata[J]. Coal Engineering,2015,47(11):87−89

[19] 刘辉,李国强,朱晓峻,等. 基于深度学习的井筒变形预测模型与应用[J]. 煤炭学报,2025,50(2):732−747

LIU Hui,LI Guoqiang,ZHU Xiaojun,et al. Exploration and application of deep learning based wellbore deformation forecasting model[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2025,50(2):732−747

[20] 李康,高永涛,周喻,等. 立井井筒失稳机理与加固方法[J]. 中南大学学报(自然科学版),2020,51(4):1068−1076

LI Kang,GAO Yongtao,ZHOU Yu,et al. Instability mechanism and reinforcement method of vertical shaft[J]. Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology),2020,51(4):1068−1076

[21] 常青,张磊,史鑫. 小保当一号矿井主斜井施工方法选择及井壁结构设计[J]. 煤炭工程,2020,52(8):14−17

CHANG Qing,ZHANG Lei,SHI Xin. Construction method selection and shaft wall structure design of main inclined shaft in Xiaobaodang No. 1 Mine[J]. Coal Engineering,2020,52(8):14−17

[22] 杨志斌,石银斌,王海,等. 基于等厚度水泥土帷幕的斜井井筒水治理技术研究[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2023,51(7):224−233

YANG Zhibin,SHI Yinbin,WANG Hai,et al. Research on water leakage control technology of inclined shaft of coal mine based on cement soil curtain of equal thickness[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2023,51(7):224−233

[23] 曹胜根,程正刚,张云,等. 巷道围岩预注浆防突水技术研究[J]. 采矿与安全工程学报,2016,33(2):311−317

CAO Shenggen,CHENG Zhenggang,ZHANG Yun,et al. Study on water inrush prevention technology by pre–grouting in surrounding rock of roadway[J]. Journal of Mining & Safety Engineering,2016,33(2):311−317

[24] 于永江,刘佳铭,杨云涛,等. 基于能量原理不同含水率下煤岩体变形破坏能量损伤演化机制[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2024,52(6):67−80

YU Yongjiang,LIU Jiaming,YANG Yuntao,et al. Mechanical properties and damage constitutive model of coal with different water content based on energy principle[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2024,52(6):67−80

[25] 丁秀丽,赵化蒙,黄书岭. 基于吸湿–膨胀分析模型的岩石膨胀变形演化规律研究[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报,2021,40(增刊2):3005−3013

DING Xiuli,ZHAO Huameng,HUANG Shuling. Study on swelling characteristics of mudstones considering adsorption–expansion analysis model[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering,2021,40(Sup.2):3005−3013

[26] 张海燕,胡新丽,刘欣宇,等. 含水率和剪切速率对黏性滑带土剪切行为及损伤演化的影响研究[J]. 岩土力学,2025,46(8):2471−2482

ZHANG Haiyan,HU Xinli,LIU Xinyu,et al. Effects of water content and shear rate on shear behavior and damage evolution of clayey sliding–zone soils[J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics,2025,46(8):2471−2482

[27] 王明,吴璋,徐长友,等. 富水弱胶结露天边坡劣化失稳机理研究[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2025,53(8):154−169

WANG Ming,WU Zhang,XU Changyou,et al. Deterioration and instability mechanisms of water–rich and weakly cemented open–pit slopes[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2025,53(8):154−169

[28] 曾波,冯江荣,秦垦,等. 应力–渗流耦合下含裂隙砂岩力学特性研究[J]. 采矿与岩层控制工程学报,2025,7(3):033028

ZENG Bo,FENG Jiangrong,QIN Ken,et al. Study on mechanical properties of fractured sandstone under stress–seepage coupling conditions[J]. Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering,2025,7(3):033028

[29] 张农,许兴亮,李桂臣. 巷道围岩裂隙演化规律及渗流灾害控制[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报,2009,28(2):330−335

ZHANG Nong,XU Xingliang,LI Guichen. Fissure–evolving laws of surrounding rock mass of roadway and control of seepage disasters[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering,2009,28(2):330−335

[30] 刘娟红,卞立波,何伟,等. 煤矿矿井混凝土井壁腐蚀的调查与破坏机理[J]. 煤炭学报,2015,40(3):528−533

LIU Juanhong,BIAN Libo,HE Wei,et al. Investigation and destruction mechanism on corrosion of concrete shaft in coal mine[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2015,40(3):528−533

[31] 赵力,刘娟红,周卫金,等. 矿井环境中混凝土材料腐蚀损伤演化与机理分析[J]. 煤炭学报,2016,41(6):1422−1428

ZHAO Li,LIU Juanhong,ZHOU Weijin,et al. Damage evolution and mechanism of concrete erosion at sulfate environment in underground mine[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2016,41(6):1422−1428

[32] 苏永华,张盼凤,肖旺. 剪胀围岩隧道开挖响应曲线的等价圆近似法[J]. 岩土工程学报,2015,37(增刊1):31−35

SU Yonghua,ZHANG Panfeng,XIAO Wang. Equivalent circular approximation method for response curve tunnel excavation of dilatant surrounding rock[J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering,2015,37(Sup.1):31−35

[33] 王炯,张正俊,朱天赐,等. 恒阻大变形锚索支护巷道变形机制模型试验研究[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报,2020,39(5):927−937

WANG Jiong,ZHANG Zhengjun,ZHU Tianci,et al. Model test study on deformation mechanisms of roadways supported by constant resistance and large deformation anchor cables[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering,2020,39(5):927−937

[34] 李季,彭博,袁鹏. 深部沿空巷道顶板蝶叶塑性区“低阻微变”性形成机理研究[J]. 采矿与安全工程学报,2019,36(3):465−472

LI Ji,PENG Bo,YUAN Peng. A formation mechanism of “low resistance and slight change” in plastic zone of butterfly leaf on the roof in deep roadway[J]. Journal of Mining and Safety Engineering,2019,36(3):465−472

[35] KAMEL K E M,GERARD P,COLLIAT J B,et al. Modelling stress–induced permeability alterations in sandstones using CT scan–based representations of the pore space morphology[J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences,2022,150:104998.

[36] 于永江,张春会,赵全胜,等. 承载围岩渗透率演化模型及数值分析[J]. 煤炭学报,2014,39(5):841−848

YU Yongjiang,ZHANG Chunhui,ZHAO Quansheng,et al. Permeability evolution model for loaded rock and numerical analysis[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2014,39(5):841−848

[37] 张村,韩鹏华,王方田,等. 采动水浸作用下矿井地下水库残留煤柱稳定性[J]. 中国矿业大学学报,2021,50(2):220−227

ZHANG Cun,HAN Penghua,WANG Fangtian,et al. The stability of residual coal pillar in underground reservoir with the effect of mining and water immersion[J]. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology,2021,50(2):220−227

[38] 张村,黄玄皓,王永乐,等. 煤矿开采水浸弱化流固耦合模拟方法与工程应用[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2025,53(6):407−417

ZHANG Cun,HUANG Xuanhao,WANG Yongle,et al. Simulation method and engineering application of fluid solid coupling for water immersion weakening in coal mining[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2025,53(6):407−417

[39] HOU Fujin,QU Guanglei,YAN Zongwei,et al. Properties and relationships of porous concrete based on Griffith’s theory:Compressive strength,permeability coefficient,and porosity[J]. Materials and Structures,2024,57(3):52.

[40] PARK D. Numerical investigation on the effect of water leakage on the ground surface settlement and tunnel stability[J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology,2024,146:105656.