Layout and support design of a coal roadway in ultra-close multiple-seams

A roadway within ultra-close multiple-seams (RUCMSs) is one of the most difficult supported coal roadways to deal with in underground coal mines. This is usually due to the unknown stress distributions, improper roadway layout, and unreasonable support parameters. In order to solve this support problem and effectively save RUCMSs from frequent and abrupt disasters (such as serious deformation of the surrounding rock, roof cave ins, and coal side collapse), a comprehensive method is adopted here which includes theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field monitoring. A mechanical model was constructed to determine the stress distribution in the coal pillar after two sides of a longwall panel had been mined. Based on this model, the horizontal, vertical, and tangential stress equations for the plane below the floor of the upper-left coal pillar were deduced. In addition, a typical coal mine (the Jinggonger colliery, located in Shuozhou city, Shanxi province, China) with an average distance between its 9# and 11# coal seams of less than 8.0 was chosen to conduct research on the proper layout and reasonable support required for a typical coal roadway located within coal seam 11#. Using FLAC3D (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3-Dimensions) numerical software, eight schemes were designed with different horizontal distances (d) between the center lines of the coal pillar and the roadway in the lower coal seam (RLCS). The simulations and detailed analysis indicate that the proper distances required are between 22.5 and 27.5 m. A total of 20 simulation schemes were used to investigate the factors influencing the support provided by the key bolts (bolt length, spacing, distance between two rows, installation angle, and pre-tightening force). The results were analyzed and used to determine reasonable values for the support parameters. Field results show that the stability and strength of the RLCS can be effectively safeguarded using a combination of researched stress distribution characteristics, proper layout of the RLCS, and correct support parameters.