Numerical Modelling of the Range of Rock Fracture Zone Around Gateroads on the Basis of Underground Measurement Results (edbcb7c0-6a88-4056-904b-d121adf0097c)

This paper presents the results of numerical modeling of the fractured zone around longwall gateroads. The numerical computations have been based on the results of underground measurements of the fractured zone around longwall gateroads, which were performed for various geological and mining conditions and measured with the use of the endoscopic method with a digital camera. Having results of the underground investigations, trials of duplicating them by the Finite Element Method using software PHASE and the Hoek-Brown failure criterion were performed. In order that the fractured zone predicted by the model-based computations closely simulate that measured underground, some selected parameters in the Hoek-Brown failure criterion were modified based on the earlier determined relations used for prediction of the roof-to-floor convergence in longwall gateroads. As a result, the model-based computations produce results very close to those obtained from the underground measurements. Determination of the fractured-rock zone around the mine roads is of great importance to mining practice, especially in planning and designing supports for longwall gateroads. The influence of the front abutment pressure causes the fractured rock zone around the roads to increase and results in an increase of support load. Moreover, proper determination of the fractured rock zone is one of basic elements in the process of planning roof bolting for mine workings.