Numerical Study on the Mechanism of Water Inrush by Floor Damage and Fault Activation during Longwall Mining

This study evaluated the damage and fracture patterns in mine floors and the fault activation caused by longwall mining, as well as the associated effects on mine water inrush. Numerical simulations were used for this evaluation. The results indicated that higher water pressures in confined aquifers and the existence of faults can increase the probability of water inrush in deep coal seams. A wider coal pillar at the fault can help prevent water inrush events. Numerical simulations were used to demonstrate the complete process of fracture development in the floor, fault activation, and formation of water inrush channels during longwall mining. This study improved the understanding of the mechanisms of water inrush through the fault zone. The results of this study are important to the design of water-resistant coal pillars in active coal seams above confined aquifers with faults