A comprehensive methodology for predicting shield support hazards for a U.S. coal mine

Abstract

Shield support hazard prediction is significant for the

safety and productivity of an underground coal mine. Hence,

research should be conducted on shield support hazard predic

tion. Thus, this study presents a comprehensive methodology

for predicting shield support hazards in a virgin mining area. A

total of 33 surface boreholes were drilled to cover the general

mining area. All analyses were based on the extensive strength

and physical properties of strata above and below coal seam

B, including coal seam B itself. The modified detached roof

block model was used to determine support roof load capac

ity, and the roof load isopach maps for three mining heights

were drawn to show the load distribution for different mining

heights. A regression equation was used to obtain the maxi

mum floor pressure, and the isopach map showed the value

difference between rock mass strength and floor pressure dis

tribution. To clarify the geological discontinuities and imme

diate roof type variation trend, a fence diagram was drawn,

and the corresponding responses were discussed. By com

bining the roof load capacity, floor pressure, and geological

discontinuities, shield support hazards were clearly illustrat

ed by a hazard map. The proposed methodology can predict

the potential shield support hazards and identify areas where

supplementary support can be implemented, thereby enabling

mining engineers to incorporate the roof load capacity, floor

pressure, and geological discontinuities effectively into an in

tegrated hazards prediction map for use in support design and

supplementary support strategies.