Subsidence Mechanism and Stability Assessment Methods for Partial Extraction Mines for Sustainable Development of Mining Cities—A Review

Yang Yu, Shen-En Chen, Ka-Zhong Deng, Peng Wang and Hong-Dong Fan
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Yang Yu: School of Environment Science and Spatial Information, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Shen-En Chen: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
Ka-Zhong Deng: School of Environment Science and Spatial Information, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Peng Wang: School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Hong-Dong Fan: School of Environment Science and Spatial Information, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-21

Abstract: Partial extraction methods such as underground strip pillar mining or room-and-pillar mining are widely adopted techniques to control ground subsidence. However, pillar failure in partial extraction mines may introduce violent secondary ground collapses. The stability of partial extraction mines dictates the safety of ground surface structures and the environmental health state of the surrounding mining areas. To reuse mining subsidence lands, it is necessary to evaluate the stability of the land through mine subsidence assessments. This paper summarizes current pillar stability assessment methods and their limitations, and the rock mechanics associated with the stability of abandoned mines. The effects of multiple factors that affect mine stability are discussed in detail; special attention has been extended to discuss the weathering effects associated with infused water and spontaneous combustion, as these are some key reasons for pillar strength degradation in abandoned mines. The mechanism of mine collapse and the corresponding post-mining disasters are also summarized. Finally, suggestions and strategies to improve current mine stability assessment methods are proposed based on the perspective of subsidence control.

Keywords: coal mine; stability assessment; pillar strength; pillar load; ground subsidence; room-and-pillar mining; underground strip pillar mining (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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