On-Site Radon Detection of Mining-induced Fractures from Overlying Strata to the Surface: A Case Study of the Baoshan Coal Mine in China

Wei Zhang, Dong-Sheng Zhang, Li-Xin Wu and Hong-Zhi Wang
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Wei Zhang: IoT Perception Mine Research Center, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China
Dong-Sheng Zhang: School of Mines, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Li-Xin Wu: IoT Perception Mine Research Center, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China
Hong-Zhi Wang: School of Mines, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China

Energies, 2014, vol. 7, issue 12, 1-25

Abstract: Large-scale longwall mining of shallow coal seams may cause mining-induced fractures that can project completely through to the surface. This could lead to a series of mine safety and environmental issues, further deteriorating the already fragile ecological environment in the Western mining areas in China. Therefore, an accurate and effective understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution law of mining-induced fractures in overlying strata and its relationship to upper aquifers is critical. In this paper, the application of the geophysical-chemical properties of radon in mining engineering is explored as a potential solution to the shortcomings of existing surveying methods. A radioactive measurement method is proposed for the detection of the development of mining-induced fractures from overlying strata to the surface in the Baoshan Coal Mine (BCM). The on-site test indicated that the first weighting step is approximately 60 m, the average periodic weighting step is approximately 20 m, and the influence coverage of the advanced abutment pressure is approximately 30 m. The presented method could be used as an indirect technical support to increase the safety of coal mining by acting as a simple, fast, and reliable method of detecting mining-induced fractures in overlying strata.

Keywords: shallow coal seams; mine safety and environmental issues; radon detection; mining-induced fractures; on-site trial (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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