Technical and technological aspects of the coal mine closure based on the geomechanical component assessment

Abstract

Purpose.Development of a comprehensive methodology for assessing the state of mine workings based on the analysis of their contour displacement patterns when solving the problem of minimizing the risks during the closure of coal mines in Ukraine. Methods. Based on an integrated analysis of international and domestic trends when assessing the consequences of mine closure, the main provisions of using the method of instrumental mine observations have been substantiated. When solving the problem, the approaches of regulatory documents are taken into account to identify the geomechanical situation according to two conditions: the structure and strength properties of the lithotypes in the adjacent coal-bearing stratum and the peculiarities of the rheological processes manifestation during the development of its displacements. Findings. The geomechanical, technological and hydrogeological factors have been distinguished that are required to take into account when closing the coal mines. Fundamental methodological provisions have been substantiated for the most reliable assessment of the mine workings state, taking into account the long period of their operation. A criterion for making a decision on the decommissioning of mine workings or their further maintenance is presented. Originality.A series of generalizing dependences of the mine working contour displacement development has been obtained, which can be divided into four main groups according to the criteria of the structural and strength properties of lithotypes in the adjacent mass, as well as the type of their rheological manifestations: decaying and persistent deformation creep. For each group, using the methods of correlation-dispersive analysis, empirical formulas have been determined for calculating the convergence of the roof and bottom of mine workings, as well as their sides, depending on the geomechanical criterion H/R of the maintenance conditions and the duration t of this period. Practical implications.The obtained correlation ratios make it possible to predict the residual section of mine working at any time of its maintenance. They are a geomechanical component of its operational state assessment. The result of this research is the development of a new methodology for assessing the mine working state according to the patterns for predicting its contour displacement.