Energy mechanism of mine seismicity induced by voussoir beam instability under first fracture of roof strata

Abstract

The relationship between mine seismicity (MS) and energy release due to the fracture instability of hard roof strata (HRSs) remains unclear. Theoretical models are proposed in this study to quantify the energy released by the first fracture and subsequent instability of HRSs. Based on extended voussoir beam theory and numerical simulations, the energy mechanisms of MS induced by voussoir beam instability are elucidated. The results indicate that MS mainly originates from the release of bending elastic energy, potential energy accumulated during voussoir beam rotation deformation, and impact kinetic energy after instability. Over 50% of the bending elastic energy released during the first fracture transforms into the initial kinetic energy of the voussoir beam. For a unit-width voussoir beam, the potential energy released by the instantaneous rotation crush increases with roof thickness and overlying load, typically ranging from 10⁵–10⁸ J; the impact energy from rotation or slip instability generally ranges from 10⁷–10⁹ J and increases with overlying load, roof thickness, and free space height of HRSs. A methodology for identifying MS induced by voussoir beam instability in HSRs is hereby proposed. These findings provide theoretical guidance for estimating the MS magnitude and formulating targeted mitigation strategies.

Keywords

mine seismicity / energy release / hard roof strata / first fracture / voussoir beam

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