Determination of support mechanical mechanism of pre-stressed expandable props to stope roof in room-and-pillar mining

Abstract

This study is to determine the support mechanism of pre-stressed expandable props for the stope roof in room-and-pillar mining, which is crucial for maintaining stability and preventing roof collapse in mines. Utilizing an engineering case from a gold mine in Dandong, China, a laboratory-based similar test is conducted to extract the actual roof characteristic curve. This test continues until the mining stope collapses due to a U-shaped failure. Concurrently, a semi-theoretical method for obtaining the roof characteristic curve is proposed and verified against the actual curve. The semi-theoretical method calculated that the support force and vertical displacement at the demarcation point between the elastic and plastic zones of the roof characteristic curve are 5.0 MPa and 8.20 mm, respectively, corroborating well with the laboratory-based similar test results of 0.22 MPa and 0.730 mm. The weakening factor for the plastic zone in the roof characteristic curve was semi-theoretically estimated to be 0.75. The intersection between the actual roof characteristic curve and the support characteristic curves of expandable props, natural pillars, and concrete props indicates that the expandable prop is the most effective “yielding support” for the stope roof in room-and-pillar mining. That is, the deformation and failure of the stope roof can be effectively controlled with proper release of roof stress. This study provides practical insights for optimizing support strategies in room-and-pillar mining, enhancing the safety and efficiency of mining operations.

Keywords

expandable prop / room-and-pillar mining / complex variable function / roof characteristic curve / support characteristic curve / yielding support

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Central South University