Research Development and Critical Problems Existing in Strata Movement and Its Control

Abstract

Under the guidance of green mining and scientific mining ideas, strata movement and its control have achieved a series of research developments in China. Based on the summary of research achievements related to strata movement characteristics, the influences on mining activity and surface environment, and the utilizing and controlling methods, critical problems that need to be solved are identified for a study on strata movement and its control. Mining activities will cause the redistribution of mining stress. The overlying strata incurs deformation, breaking, and movement under this mining stress. During this period, energy accumulation and release will occur in the roof strata, and the initiation and expansion of overburden fractures will occur. This demonstrates the impact of mining activities on underground safety and the ground environment. Thus, strata movement characteristics in longwall faces should be emphasized in the future. At present, the rock movement is still in the stage of qualitative description. Monitoring the movement of overlying strata in the stope and making predictions according to the monitoring results play a great role in ensuring the safety of mining production. Furthermore, system stiffness theory and intelligent control techniques for overburden strata should be developed.