Numerical simulation of the stress state of the layered gas-bearing rocks in the bottom of mine working

Abstract

The mathematical model has been developed for the coupled processes of the rock massif deformation and gas filtration in a disturbed area around mine working, in the bottom of which there are hard and soft gas-bearing rocks. When solving the problem, the finite element method was used. The calculation results of the displacements, stresses and pressures of methane in the studied area are represented in the paper. It is shown that the difference in the physical and mechanical properties of the bottom rocks of mine working causes the non-uniform distribution of geomechanics and filtration parameters. In more strong sandstone, the stresses concentration increases. Therewith, an intensive process of fractures formation takes place in the argillite and the coal. Methane from the upper part of the gas-bearing sandstone is filtered into the mine working, the destruction of the coal interlayer is accompanied by release of methane and its accumulation under the layer of a strong sandstone. The development of a zone of inelastic deformations leads to the destruction of sandstone. In case of brittle destruction, with the formation of fractures of a certain length, a breakthrough of methane may occur out of the bottom into mine working.