Numerical simulation analysis of covering rock strata as mining steep-inclined coal seam under fault movement

The fault is one important factor for the stability of overburden strata caused by steeply inclined coal seam. The stress and displacement change of overburden strata caused by steeply-inclined coal seam mining activity under faulting was simulated by FLAC2D finite differential program on the basis of Zhaogezhuang mining example belonging to Kailuan Mining Group. From the results, the stress and displacement clouding image after mining became complex because of the fault, that is, a kind of weak structural plane. The stress concentration region concentrated around the goaf, and also around the fault plane. As the mining depth increases, the stress and displacement within the fault zone change significantly. This movement and deformation characteristic of overburden strata can provide theoretical basis for the similar mining condition. © 2011 The Nonferrous Metals Society of China.