Mining-induced ground movements and displacements using transparent soil model test

Abstract

Surface subsidence induced by mining subsidence affects the overlying buildings and nearby utilities. Therefore, an investigation of the internal displacement and surface settlement is very important. A small-scale transparent soil model was developed to study the surface settlement profile and displacement field induced by mining subsidence. An analysis of the continuous change of the displacement field inside the transparent soil models indicates that the subsurface settlement at different subsidence stages can be approximated by a normal probability curve. Additionally, the observed surface settlements are consistent with settlement predictions of both the probability integral method and the Gaussian distribution method. The results indicate that it is a good way to study further the underground structure–soil interaction.