Application of DIn SAR for short period monitoring of initial subsidence due to longwall mining in the mountain west United States

Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar(DIn SAR), a satellite-based remote sensing technique, has application for monitoring subsidence with high resolution over short periods. DIn SAR uses radar images to measure centimeter-level surface displacements. In the images, ground resolution can be relatively high, with each data point(pixel) representing the average displacement over an area of several square meters. The image data are acquired regularly which allows subsidence to be monitored sequentially over short periods; imaging periods typically range from weeks to months. Monitoring subsidence over short periods with high spatial resolution has potential to provide insight into the dynamics of subsidence and into relationships between mine advance and subsidence. In this study, for three longwall mines in the western United States, initial subsidence occurring at the start of longwall advance is quantified over short periods(12–72 days). C-band interferometric wide swath Synthetic Aperture Radar(SAR) images from the Sentinel satellites are used to quantify the subsidence. Overall, the data show initial development of subsidence, expansion of the subsidence trough, and the advance of subsidence in the direction of mining.     

Comparison of L-band and X-band differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar for mine subsidence monitoring in central Utah

Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar(DIn SAR), a satellite-based remote sensing technique, has potential application for measuring mine subsidence on a regional scale with high spatial and temporal resolutions. However, the characteristics of synthetic aperture radar(SAR) data and the effectiveness of DIn SAR for subsidence monitoring depend on the radar band(wavelength). This study evaluates the effectiveness of DIn SAR for monitoring subsidence due to longwall mining in central Utah using L-band(24 cm wavelength) SAR data from the advanced land observing satellite(ALOS)and X-band(3 cm wavelength) SAR data from the Terra SAR-X mission. In the Wasatch Plateau region of central Utah, which is characterized by steep terrain and variable ground cover conditions, areas affected by longwall mine subsidence are identifiable using both L-band and X-band DIn SAR.Generally, using L-band data, subsidence magnitudes are measurable. Compared to X-band, L-band data are less affected by signal saturation due to large deformation gradients and by temporal decorrelation due to changes in the surface conditions over time. The L-band data tend to be stable over relatively long periods(months). Short wavelength X-band data are strongly affected by signal saturation and temporal decorrelation, but regions of subsidence are typically identifiable over short periods(days). Additionally,though subsidence magnitudes are difficult to precisely measure in the central Utah region using X-band data, they can often be reasonably estimated.     

Monitoring on subsidence due to repeated excavation with DInSAR technology

DInSAR technology was used to monitor subsidence caused by underground coal mining activities in mountainous area, with multi source SAR data, including 8 EnviSAT C-band and 4 ALOS L-band, and 4 programmed TerraSAR-X dataset. The results revealed that 2-pass DInSAR technique sometimes failed to retrieve the mining-caused subsidence due to spatial and/or temporal de-correlation. We also noticed that there existed residual topographic phase after the compensation with SRTM DEM, which could almost overwhelm the subsidence information when the perpendicular baseline was relatively large. Based on the mining materials, analysis was made on the shape of subsidence area. For the well geo-coded results from TerraSAR-X, confirmed by GPS surveying results of corner reflectors, we tried to extract the advance distance of influence besides the subsidence area. Due to the big deformation gradient over stopingfaces, the X-band SAR data could not capture the maximum value subsidence revealed by GPS survey in our preliminary results, the same as C-band EnviSAT data. This will turn to be our research subject in the next few months.     

Effects of longwall-induced stress and deformation on the stability and mechanical integrity of shale gas wells drilled through a longwall abutment pillar

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study conducted by CONSOL Energy, Marcellus Shale Coalition, and Pennsylvania Coal Association to evaluate the effects of longwall-induced subsurface deformations on the mechanical integrity of shale gas wells drilled over a longwall abutment pillar.The primary objective is to demonstrate that a properly constructed gas well in a standard longwall abutment pillar can maintain mechanical integrity during and after mining operations. A study site was selected over a southwestern Pennsylvania coal mine, which extracts 457-m-wide longwall faces under about 183 m of cover. Four test wells and four monitoring wells were drilled and installed over a 38-m by84-m centers abutment pillar. In addition to the test wells and monitoring wells, surface subsidence measurements and underground coal pillar pressure measurements were conducted as the 457-m-wide longwall panels on the south and north sides of the abutment pillar were mined by. To evaluate the resulting coal protection casing profile and lateral displacement, three separate 60-arm caliper surveys were conducted. This research represents a very important step and initiative to utilize the knowledge and science obtained from mining research to improve miner and public safety as well as the safety and health of the oil and gas industries.     

基于DInSAR沉陷区超前影响角计算修正方法

基于澳大利亚West Cilff煤矿开采期间获取的差分干涉合成孔径雷达(DInSAR)数据,以动态开采过程中超前影响角为例,研究对比实际超前影响距与DInSAR实测超前影响距的偏差,提出采用距离影响系数修正沉陷区DInSAR超前影响角的计算方法,实现直接利用DInSAR获取数据,研究沉陷区变形规律.     

Analysis of gateroad stability at two longwall mines based on field monitoring results and numerical model analysis

Coal mine longwall gateroads are subject to changing loading conditions induced by the advancing longwall face. The ground response and support requirements are closely related to the magnitude and orientation of the stress changes, as well as the local geology. This paper presents the monitoring results of gateroad response and support performance at two longwall mines at a 180-m and 600-m depth of cover.At the first mine, a three-entry gateroad layout was used. The second mine used a four-entry, yieldabutment-yield gateroad pillar system. Local ground deformation and support response were monitored at both sites. The monitoring period started during the development stage and continued during first panel retreat and up to second panel retreat. The two data sets were used to compare the response of the entries in two very different geotechnical settings and different gateroad layouts. The monitoring results were used to validate numerical models that simulate the loading conditions and entry response for these widely differing conditions. The validated models were used to compare the load path and ground response at the two mines. This paper demonstrates the potential for numerical models to assist mine engineers in optimizing longwall layouts and gateroad support systems.     

Analysis of global and local stress changes in a longwall gateroad

A numerical-model-based approach was recently developed for estimating the changes in both the horizontal and vertical loading conditions induced by an approaching longwall face.In this approach, a systematic procedure is used to estimate the model's inputs.Shearing along the bedding planes is modeled with ubiquitous joint elements and interface elements.Coal is modeled with a newly developed coal mass model.The response of the gob is calibrated with back analysis of subsidence data and the results of previously published laboratory tests on rock fragments.The model results were verified with the subsidence and stress data recently collected from a longwall mine in the eastern United States.     

Effect of longwall-induced subsurface deformations on shale gas well casing stability under deep covers

This paper presents the results of a 2017 study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH), Pittsburgh Mining Research Division(PMRD), to evaluate the effects of longwall-induced subsurface deformations within a longwall abutment pillar under deep cover. The 2017 study was conducted in a southwestern Pennsylvania coal mine, which extracts 457 m-wide longwall panels under 361 m of cover. One 198 m-deep, in-place inclinometer monitoring well was drilled and installed over a 45 m by 84 m center abutment pillar. In addition to the monitoring well, surface subsidence measurements and underground coal pillar pressure measurements were conducted as the 457 m-wide longwall panel on the south side of the abutment pillar was being mined. Prior to the first longwall excavation, a number of simulations using FLAC3D~(TM) were conducted to estimate surface subsidence, increases in underground coal pillar pressure, and subsurface horizontal displacements in the monitoring well. Comparisons of the pre-mining FLAC3D simulation results and the surface, subsurface,and underground instrumentation results show that the measured in-place inclinometer casing deformations are in reasonable agreement with those predicted by the 3D finite difference models. The measured surface subsidence and pillar pressure are in excellent agreement with those predicted by the 3D models.Results from this 2017 research clearly indicate that, under deep cover, the measured horizontal displacements within the abutment pillar are approximately one order of magnitude smaller than those measured in a 2014 study under medium cover.     

Comparison of closure measurements with finite element model results in an underground coal mine in central Utah

Quantitative analysis of mine-wide subsidence at the kilometer scale and details of stress distribution about an advancing longwall face are estimated using an adaptation of the finite element method. The method is well suited to the tasks at hand. For greater realism, variability of strata properties is taken into account as are the effects of joints and cleats on elastic moduli and strengths. Evolution of pillar stress and entry closure remote from the face is readily quantified in a series of analyses that simulate face advance. Computed results compare favorably with the evolution of closure measurements about an instrumented pillar in a two-entry headgate. The appropriateness of the finite element method is confirmed. This method is based on first principles that avoid empirical schemes of uncertain applicability and numerical models ‘‘calibrated" by fitting computer output to mine measurements.     

Whole-mine subsidence over tabular deposits and related seismicity

The challenge of estimating mine-wide subsidence and linkages to seismicity over tabular deposits is addressed by a special finite element technique(dual node–dual mesh). Subsidence and mine-induced seismicity begins near the face when caving occurs and propagates to the surface as extraction reaches a critical extent. Thus, the challenge is to obtain details at the face at the meter scale and also at the surface over the whole mine at the kilometer scale. Interactions between old and new sections of a mine are automatically taken into account with this technique. The finite element method is well established technology based on fundamentals of physical laws, kinematics and material laws. With this technique, no empirical ‘‘scaling" or fitting computer output by input data ‘‘adjustment" to mine measurements is necessary. Capability is demonstrated for doing practical whole-mine subsidence analysis from first principles. Mine-induced seismicity is shown to correlate well with face advance and element failure.     

Prevention of gob ignitions and explosions in longwall mining using dynamic seals

Most, if not all longwall gob areas accumulate explosive methane-air mixtures that pose a deadly hazard to miners. Numerous mine explosions have originated from explosive gas zones(EGZs) in the longwall gob. Since 2010, researchers at the Colorado School of Mines(CSM) have studied EGZ formation in longwall gobs under two long-term research projects funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Researchers used computational fluid dynamics along with in-mine measurements. For the first time, they demonstrated that EGZs form along the fringe areas between the methane-rich atmospheres and the fresh air ventilated areas along the working face and present an explosion and fire hazard to mine workers. In this study, researchers found that, for progressively sealed gobs, a targeted injection of nitrogen from the headgate and tailgate, along with a back return ventilation arrangement, will create a dynamic seal of nitrogen that effectively separates the methane zone from the face air and eliminates the EGZs to prevent explosions. Using this form of nitrogen injection to create dynamic seals should be a consideration for all longwall operators.     

Deformation and failure of stratified weak roof strata of longwall roadway

A comprehensive underground monitoring was conducted in a coal mine. The purpose of this research was to clarify the deformation and failure behavior of stratified weak roof strata of longwall roadway in adverse ground conditions. The field investiga- tion incorporating a range of geotechnical instrumentation was conducted over a period of time ever since the formation of opening the site was buried into the goaf of a retreating longwall panel. The roof layer deformation and failure characteristics associated with the three stages of heading development, after development and before extraction, as well as after longwall extraction were identified on the basis of field investigation and analytical study, the results clearly demonstrated that how the roof deformation and failure progress were strongly related to these three stages of the mining activities mentioned.     

Investigation of overburden behaviour for grout injection to control mine subsidence

This paper describes a field and numerical investigation of the overburden strata response to underground longwall mining, focusing on overburden strata movements and stress concentrations. Subsidence related high stress concentrations are believed to have caused damage to river beds in the Illawarra region, Australia. In the field study, extensometers, stressmeters and piezometers were installed in the overburden strata of a longwall panel at West Cliff Colliery. During longwall mining, a total of 1000 mm tensile deformation was recorded in the overburden strata and as a result bed separation and gaps were formed. Bed separation was observed to start in the roof of the mining seam and gradually propagate toward the surface as the longwall face advanced. A substantial increase in the near-surface horizontal stresses was recorded before the longwall face reached the monitored locations. The stresses continued to increase as mining advanced and they reached a peak at about 200 m behind the longwall face. A numerical modelling study identified that the angle of breakage (i.e., the angle of the boundary of caved zone) behind the longwall face and over the goaf was 22–25° from vertical direction. This is consistent with the monitoring results showing the high gradient of stresses and strains on the surface 150–320 m behind the mining face.     

Investigations on longwall mining subsidence impacts on Pennsylvania highway alignments

Over 600 longwall panels have been mined in Pennsylvania in the last 50 years. Of those 600 panels, 25 panels undermined interstates highways. Despite this quantity of panels, much is still unknown regarded the detailed effects of undermining highways. The Gateway Mine, the Emerald Mine, and the Cumberland Mine undermined I-79 with 17 panels in 1982–1989 and in 2003–2008, respectively; Mine 84 undermined I-70 with 4 panels in 1987–2000. Through the examination of the panels that undermined I-70 and I-79, it is possible to determine which factors have most impacted the highway alignments. In some locations, the highway intersects with panels at angles ranging from 45° to 80°; and at the others, it runs between two panels, which simulates the effect of gateroads on the subsidence. The panel width to overburden ratio varies between 0.64 and 1.7, meaning that the interstates were influenced by both subcritical and supercritical subsidence basins. The face advance rates and overburden depths also vary between the panels. Unfortunately, specific information detailing highway impacts associated with unique characteristics of the subsidence basins are limited. In this paper, using the profile function model and influence function model within the surface deformation prediction system(SDPS), the effects of overburden,panel size, and orientation of the road on the highway can be indirectly assessed.     

Analysis of monitored ground support and rock mass response in a longwall tailgate entry

A comprehensive monitoring program was conducted to measure the rock mass displacements, support response, and stress changes at a longwall tailgate entry in West Virginia.Monitoring was initiated a few days after development of the gateroad entries and continued during passage of the longwall panels on both sides of the entry.Monitoring included overcore stress measurements of the initial stress within the rock mass, changes in cable bolt loading, standing support pressure, roof deformation, rib deformation,stress changes in the coal pillar, and changes in the full three-dimensional stress tensor within the rock mass at six locations around the monitoring site.During the passage of the first longwall, stress measurements in the rock and coal detected minor changes in loading while minor changes were detected in roof deformation.As a result of the relatively favorable stress and geological conditions, the support systems did not experience severe loading or rock deformation until the second panel approached within 10–15 m of the instrumented locations.After reaching the peak loading at about 50–75 mm of roof sag, the cable bolts started to unload, and load was transferred to the standing supports.The standing support system was able to maintain an adequate opening inby the shields to provide ventilation to the first crosscut inby the face, as designed.The results were used to calibrate modeled cable bolt response to field data, and to validate numerical modeling procedures that have been developed to evaluate entry support systems.It is concluded that the support system was more than adequate to control the roof of the tailgate up to the longwall face location.The monitoring results have provided valuable data for the development and validation of support design strategies for longwall tailgate entries.     

Assessing support alternatives for longwall gateroads subject to changing stress

Longwall gateroad entries are subject to changing horizontal and vertical stress induced by redistribution of loads around the extracted panel. The stress changes can result in significant deformation of the entries that may include roof sag, rib dilation, and floor heave. Mine operators install different types of supports to control the ground response and maintain safe access and ventilation of the longwall face. This paper describes recent research aimed at quantifying the effect of longwall-induced stress changes on ground stability and using the information to assess support alternatives. The research included monitoring of ground and support interaction at several operating longwall mines in the U.S., analysis and calibration of numerical models that adequately represent the bedded rock mass, and observation of the support systems and their response to changes in stress. The models were then used to investigate the impact of geology and stress conditions on ground deformation and support response for various depths of cover and geologic scenarios. The research results were summarized in two regression equations that can be used to estimate the likely roof deformation and height of roof yield due to longwall-induced stress changes. This information is then used to assess the ability of support systems to maintain the stability of the roof. The application of the method is demonstrated with a retrospective analysis of the support performance at an operating longwall mine that experienced a headgate roof fall. The method is shown to produce realistic estimates of gateroad entry stability and support performance, allowing alternative support systems to be assessed during the design and planning stage of longwall operations.     

A comparative study of dust control practices in Chinese and Australian longwall coal mines

Mine dust is one of the main hazards in underground longwall mines worldwide.In order to solve the mine dust problem,a significant number of studies have been carried out regarding longwall mine dust control,both in China and Australia.This paper presents a comparative study of dust control practices in Chinese and Australian longwall mines,with particular references to statutory limits,dust monitoring methods and dust management practices,followed by a brief discussion on the research status of longwall mine dust control in both countries.The study shows that water infusion,face ventilation controls,water sprays,and deep and wet cutting in longwall shearer operations are commonly practiced in almost all underground longwall mines and that both Chinese and Australian longwall mine dust control practices have their own advantages and disadvantages.It is concluded that there is a need for further development and innovative design of more effective dust mitigation products or systems despite the development of various dust control technologies.Based on the examinations and discussions,the authors have made some recommendations for further research and development in dust control in longwall mines.It is hoped that this comparative study will provide beneficial guidance for scholars and engineers who are engaging in longwall mine dust control research and practice.     

Roadway deformation during riding mining in soft rock

“Riding mining” is a form of mining where the working face is located above the roadway and advances parallel to it. Riding mining in deep soft rock creates a particular set of problems in the roadway that include high stresses, large deformations, and support difficulties. Herein we describe a study of the rock deformation mechanism of a roadway as observed during riding mining in deep soft rock. Theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and on site monitoring were used to examine this problem. The stress in the rock and the visco-elastic behavior of the rock are considered. Real time data, recorded over a period of 240 days, were taken from a 750 transportation roadway. Stress distributions in the rock surrounding the roadway were studied by comparing simulations to observations from the mine. The rock stress shows dynamic behavior as the working face advances. The pressure increases and then drops after peaking as the face advances. Both elastic and plastic deformation of the surrounding rock occurs. Plastic deformation provides a mechanism by which stress in the rock relaxes due to material flow. A way to rehabilitate the roadway is suggested that will help ensure mine safety.     

采空区顶板冒落数值模拟模型边界尺寸确定及冒落规律

结合赵庄煤矿综采工作面顶底板岩层性质,在通用离散元软件UDEC中建立物理模型,对比了不同上边界、侧向边界尺寸模型数值模拟结果中老顶的下沉量,确定了为消除边界效应所需的模型边界.结果显示,模型上边界尺寸大于70 m,侧向边界尺寸大于100 m时,才能得到可靠的模拟结果.得到了不同工作面推进距离条件下的老顶冒落下沉规律,当推进距离大于300 m后,老顶沿推进方向在采空区中部最大下沉量不变;从采空区边界处开始随向采空区内部深入中粒砂岩下沉量逐渐增加,在距离采空区边界100 m左右增加至最大值2.70 m;随着距工作面距离增加,老顶中粒砂岩下沉量呈线性增加,在工作面后方120 m位置处下沉量达最大值2.70 m.     

Computational fluid dynamics simulation on the longwall gob breathing

In longwall mines, atmospheric pressure fluctuations can disturb the pressure balance between the gob and the ventilated working area, resulting in a phenomenon known as ‘‘gob breathing". Gob breathing triggers gas flows across the gob and the working areas and may result in a condition where an oxygen deficient mixture or a methane accumulation in the gob flows into the face area. Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFDs) modeling was carried out to analyze this phenomenon and its impact on the development of an explosive mixture in a bleeder-ventilated panel scheme. Simulation results indicate that the outgassing and ingassing across the gob and the formation of Explosive Gas Zones(EGZs) are directly affected by atmospheric pressure changes. In the location where methane zones interface with mine air, EGZ fringes may form along the face and in the bleeder entries. These findings help assess the methane ignition and explosion risks associated with fluctuating atmospheric pressures.