Hindawi

Advances in Civil Engineering

Volume 2024, Article ID 5548837, 17 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5548837

Research Article
Analysis of Dynamic Evolution of Surrounding Rock
Movement and Stress-Fracture in the Upward and Repeated
Mining of Close-Distance Coal Seams

Ningbo Peng ,1 Chunlei Zhang ,1 Ruimin Feng,2 Arifuggaman Arif,1 Xi Chen,1

Weidong Zhang,1 Shuai Zhang,3 and Mingjie Feng1
1
Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai’an, Jiangsu 223001, China
2
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
3
School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China

Correspondence should be addressed to Chunlei Zhang; fangyuanleihua@126.com

Received 24 November 2023; Revised 28 December 2023; Accepted 29 December 2023; Published 28 February 2024

Academic Editor: Chu Zhaofei

Copyright © 2024 Ningbo Peng et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The distribution of mining-induced stress and the resulting rock fractures are two crucial factors affecting mineral extraction in
protective layer mining. This research establishes a correlation between the vertical fracture aperture and the second derivative of
the rock layer’s subsidence curve equation. The article explores the span requirement for a simply supported beam to fracture. This
condition is relevant to understanding the dynamic evolution of rock movement and stress fractures during repeated mining of
close-distance coal seams. Our study investigates alterations in rock stress and fractures resulting from repeated upward mining of
coal seams, using the nearby coal seam cluster in Jincheng Mine as a case study. The research findings indicate that during the
mining of the upper coal seam, the roof experiences significant but brief periodic loading intervals, as well as severe and moderate
periodic loading. As mining progresses to the lower coal seam, pressure relief of the upper coal seam gradually increases in both
degree and range. In the upper coal seam, the vertical stress distribution follows a sequence of “V,” “U,” and “W” forms. The upper
coal seam undergoes five stages of expansion deformation: compression, expansion, increased expansion, decreased expansion, and
stable expansion.

1. Introduction displacement field, stress field, and fracture field caused by

mining exhibit dynamic changes, and it has been studied by
Mining-induced fractures in the surrounding rock are channels many scholars. Qian et al. [6–9] proposed the key layer theory
for gas diffusion and accumulation. Studying the dynamic evo- based on the model of “voussoir beam structure” in the overly-
lution law of surrounding rock fractures during mining has ing rock layer of a longwall working face, revealing the
important basic significance for improving gas extraction sys- “O”-shaped crack circle characteristics of mining-induced frac-
tems and preventing gas disasters [1–3]. After protective layer tures. Yuan [10] and Lu et al. [11] proposed the concept of
mining, the stress balance state of the surrounding rock is “roof annular cracks” and believed that there is a “vertical crack
disrupted, and the rock layers of the roof and floor of the development zone” on the gob side. Li and Lin [12] and Lin
coal seam begin to move and rupture toward the gob, causing et al. [13] proposed the “mining-induced fissure elliptic parab-
the overlying rock stress to redistribute gradually [4]. Within oloid zone” and “mining-induced fissure round-rectangle trap-
the unloading range of the roof and floor of the protective ezoidal zone.” Xie et al. [14] and Yu et al. [15] revealed the
layer, the protected layer undergoes expansion deformation, fractal characteristics of mining-induced fractures in the over-
and horizontal and vertical fractures gradually develop until lying rock layer of a working face through physical simulation
they are connected to the gob of the protected layer [5]. During experiments and obtained the statistical relationship between
the continuous extraction process of the protective layer, the the fractal dimension of fracture distribution and mining space.
2 Advances in Civil Engineering

Most of the above studies were based on single coal seam alleviating pressure and providing protection for the No. 3
mining conditions, and there are few reports on the study of coal seam.
surrounding rock movement and fracture development and
redevelopment under the conditions of repeated mining of 2. Fracture Development Mechanism of Coal
multiple coal seams. Seam Overlying Strata at Close Distances: A
China’s coal mining operations are progressively extending Macroscopic Perspective
to greater depths, leading to the prevalence of deep coal seams
[16]. The displacement, stress, and fracture fields resulting The mining process causes a redistribution of the initial stress
from mining activity may exhibit significant variations when distribution in the surrounding rocks as the coal seam is
multiple protective layers are influenced by mining, as com- extracted. Simultaneously, each layer of superimposed strata
pared to single protective layer mining [17, 18]. Hence, inves- likewise undergoes horizontal and vertical displacement. In
tigating the evolution laws governing the displacement, stress, the caving zone, the layers of rock above undergo separation
and fracture fields during the mining of numerous protective and subsequent failure, resulting in a fragmented rock mass
layers in coal seam groups, as well as the extent of pressure with numerous voids between the rock blocks. This creates a
protection provided by the protected layer, holds paramount large fracture zone, facilitating gas accumulation and trans-
importance. Wu et al. [19] developed a calculation method to port. As coal mining progresses, the fragmented rock mass in
determine the spatial distribution of fractures introduced by the caving zone gradually becomes more compact, with sepa-
mining in the rock layer above. They conducted simulation ration continuing at higher elevations [22]. Furthermore, the
experiments to investigate the distribution of fracture rates in underlying rock layer undergoes fracturing, resulting in the
both vertical and horizontal directions after repeated coal seam formation of penetrating fractures. The separation zone, situ-
mining. Through these experiments, they obtained a quantita- ated above the caving zone, consists mainly of two types of
tive description of the fractures induced by mining in the rock fractures: vertical and oblique crossing tensile fractures and
layer above. Li et al. [20] examined the occurrence of rock separation fractures along the layer.
failure in the underlying strata when numerous coal seams
2.1. Development Mechanism of Vertical Fractures. During
were repeatedly mined. Lin et al. [21] examined the properties
the early phase of coal seam roof collapse induced by mining
of cracks in the rock layer above coal seams following many activities, the rock mass near the coal face frequently cracks,
mining operations and elucidated the evolutionary pattern of resulting in the formation of well-defined blocks. The rock
gas storage and transport zones. These studies have laid the blocks next to each other are connected by a hinge-like rela-
groundwork for subsequent investigations into the dynamic tionship due to a horizontal pushing force. The cracked rock
evolution rules of surrounding rock movement and fracture blocks in the wedge-shaped area exhibit characteristics of a
formation during the repeated mining of coal seams. This voussoir beam structure. If the space available for the sus-
paper further explores the laws governing the movement of pension of overlaying strata is sufficiently large, surpassing
surrounding rock and the development of fractures during the maximum extent of a specific rock layer, the rock layer
repeated mining of closely spaced coal seam groups. Building will experience fracturing [23]. The fractures along the layer
upon previous research, this study is conducted in the context will be vertically fractured and penetrated, creating the upper
of a coal mine in Jincheng with the aim of establishing a theo- border of the primary gas flow channel [24].
retical foundation for determining optimal timing and loca- The strength condition required for fracture deformation
tions for gas extraction. is as follows:
The primary focus of the coal mine is the extraction of sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
the No. 3 coal seam, which possesses a straightforward geo- ½σ is Š
Li ≥ ½Li Š ¼ 2h : ð1Þ
logical composition and an average thickness of approxi- 3γH
mately 5.58 m. As the mine expands toward the west, the
burial depth gradually increases, leading to the gas content In the above equation, σis is the unidirectional tensile
and the quantity of gas emissions. The initial gas concentra- strength of the i-th layer of overlying strata in units of MPa;
tion in the mining area of the fourth mining panel is rela- Li is the stable span of the i-th layer of overlying strata in units
tively low, varying between 6.5 and 7.8 m3/t. Due to the of meters [25].
geological structure, the gas concentration abruptly rises in In addition, the deformation coordination condition should
three roads of 4,304 working faces, with the most significant also be satisfied as follows:
level reaching 15.09 m3/t. Recurrent coal and gas outbursts   
À Á x
were observed during excavation, indicating that these issues ΔWmi ¼ h0iþ1 Kp0 i þ 1 − 1 1 − exp − ≥Δ
will intensify as the mine extends toward the west. This poses 2li
 rffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
a substantial risk to the safety and productivity of the mine. 1
The No. 8 coal seam is situated beneath the No. 3 coal seam, ¼ h 1− :
3nKK
exhibiting a reduced gas concentration level and presenting
ð2Þ
no risk of outbursts. The average separation between the two
coal seams measures 37 m. The No. 8 coal seam can act as the In the above equation, m is the coal seam mining height;
safeguarding layer for the No. 3 coal seam, effectively li is the length of rock layer break; Kpi is the residual dilatancy
Advances in Civil Engineering 3

θ1

Δ1

Δ2
β1

Δ3

Δ
R1

θ2

Δ4
β2

Δ5
P

θ3
T

β3
R2 β

θ4
4 β5

θ5
R3
R4
R5 R6

W(X)

FIGURE 1: Overlying strata breakage in the fracture zone.

coefficient of the internal rock layer; ∑h0i is the distance from q

the i-th group of structures to the coal seam roof; Wxi is the
displacement curve of the i-th group of structures; K is the
o x
ratio of compressive strength and compressive strength
between rock blocks, K is the state parameters of rock blocks, L
generally 1/3–1/2.
The deformation coordination condition for beam struc-
ture break refers to the condition where shear sliding insta-
bility or other structural instabilities are absent. This is based
y
on the equilibrium condition of fractured rock blocks that
are stable structurally. Specifically, the maximum allowable FIGURE 2: Mechanical structure model of rock beam.
sinking depth at the position where each broken rock mass
interlocks with each other should be less than the noncoor-
dinated deformation between the adjacent i-th and i + 1th 2.2. Development Mechanism of Separation Fractures. The
layers of rock masses. overlying rock mass above the mining face is a composite
Based on the results of similarity simulation experiments, beam. During the coal mining process, due to the varying
the fracture development zone is the area from the contact bending stiffnesses of beams made from different rock types,
point between the overlying strata of the gob side and the different deflections occur during their bending deformation.
caving crushed gangue to the coal face breakpoint. Figure 1 This results in the formation of separations, with the gaps
shows the overlying structure model, which is composed of between these layers being identified as separation fractures.
multiple adjacent fractured blocks [26]. As the working face advances, separation fractures undergo a
Let the rotation angle of the i-th broken rock block be θi . dynamic development process: generation, development, expan-
Then, based on the mutual movement relationship between sion (fracture), contraction, and closure, moving in tandem with
the rock blocks and the deformation coordination condition, the overlying strata. The height and span of the separation arch
the opening angle of any vertical fracture in a broken block i increase with the expansion of the mining width and length.
can be determined as follows: Upon reaching a certain threshold, their height and span stabi-
lize, and they only propagate forward with the increasing mining
βi ¼ θi − θiþ1 : ð3Þ length [27, 28].
A single overlying rock can be simplified as a rock beam
According to the geometric relationship, θi ¼ [29]. A mechanical model is established to analyze the
arcsin Δi =Li ≈ dW=dx, substituting into Equation (3), we mechanics of separation development based on the strain
have the following: of the rock beam. The mechanical structure model of the
Z x rock beam is shown in Figure 2.
dWi dWiþ1 iþ1 00 According to the theory of material mechanics, the
βi ¼ − ¼ W dx: ð4Þ
dxi dxiþ1 xi approximate differential equation of the deflection curve is
as follows:
From the above equation, it can be seen that the opening
d2 ω M
angle of the vertical fracture is related to the second deriva- ¼ : ð5Þ
tive of the subsidence curve equation within the rock layer. dx2 EI
4 Advances in Civil Engineering

q O x
B
A
C

¦ÈA ¦ÈB
x A´ dx B´
l θ
dy
FIGURE 3: Mechanical model of a simple beam.
C´
y ds
Where ω and x are the longitudinal and transverse coordi-
nates of the deflection curve, respectively, M is the bending FIGURE 4: Schematic diagram of curve length differential for rock
moment, and E is the modulus of elasticity of the beam [30]. beam.
Under small deformation conditions, the deflection curve
is relatively flat, and the angle of rotation is small so that we
can simplify the above equation as follows: Therefore, the equation for the angle of rotation and the
deflection curve are as follows:
dw
θ ≈ tanθ ¼ ¼ f 0 ðxÞ: ð6Þ ql3 q 3 ql 2 qð4x3 − 6lx2 þ l3 Þ
dx EIω0 ¼ EIθ ¼ þ x − x ¼ :
24 6 4 24
Multiplying both sides of Equation (5) by dx and inte- ð11Þ
grating, we get the angle of rotation equation as follows:
ql 3 q ql3 qxðx3 þ l3 − 2lx2 Þ
Z EIω ¼ − x þ x4 þ x¼ :
dω M 12 24 24 24
θ¼ ¼ dx þ C: ð7Þ ð12Þ
dx EI

Multiplying both sides by dx and integrating again, we From Equation (12), we can get the extreme value of
obtain the deflection equation as follows: deflection as follows:

Z Z   l 5ql4
M ω x¼ : ð13Þ
ω¼ dx dx þ Cx þ D: ð8Þ 2 384EI max
EI

In Equation (11), setting x ¼ 0 and x ¼ l, we can obtain

Assuming that the rock beam is a simply supported beam the maximum absolute value of the cross-sectional slope of
and subjected to uniformly distributed load from the overly- the angle of rotation, which is the following:
ing strata, the model is shown in Figure 3.
Calculating the reaction force and bending moment ql3
equations of the simply supported beam and substituting θAB : ð14Þ
24EI max
into Equation (7), we obtain the following:
From Equation (6), when ω ¼ y, the angle of rotation of
ql 2 q 3
EIω0 ¼ − x þ x þ C: ð9Þ the beam is θ ¼ dy=dx.
4 8 Figure 4 shows the differential diagram of the curve
length of a rock beam with a length of l.
Substituting this into Equation (8), we get the following: From Equation (6), we have the following:

ql 3 q dy ¼ θdx: ð15Þ
EIω ¼ − x þ x4 þ Cx þ D: ð10Þ
12 24
From Figure 4, we know that
As the deflection at the hinge support is zero, pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
When x ¼ 0, ω ¼ 0; then D ¼ 0. s¼ ðdxÞ2 þ ðdyÞ2 ¼ 1 þ θ2 dx: ð16Þ
The deflection curve is symmetric with respect to the
midpoint of the span, just like the beam’s external load Which means that
and boundary conditions. Therefore, the cross-sectional
slope and angle of the tangent (ω′) to the deflection curve Z l pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
should be 0 at the midpoint of the span. s¼ ð1 þ θ2 Þdx: ð17Þ
When x ¼ 2l , ω0 ¼ 0; then C ¼ − ql3 =24. 0
Advances in Civil Engineering 5

For a simply supported beam, S−l

ε ¼
"l sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
 2 sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
 #
dy q 1 pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi2 11 13 2
θ¼ ¼ ð4x3 − 6lx2 þ l3 Þ: ð18Þ ¼ 2 1þμ þ3 1þ þ3 1þ μ − 1:
dx 24EIZ 8 27 27
ð26Þ
The curve length S is as follows:
If the rock beam fractures, then ε ≥ ½εŠ, where ½εŠ is the
Z l sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
2ffi
: :

Z l pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi  maximum strain of the rock beam. Thus,

q
S¼ 1 þ θ dx ¼ 2 1þ ð4x − 6lx þ l Þ dx:
3 3 3
sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
0 0 24EIZ "    #
1 pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi2 11 2 13 2
ð19Þ 2 1þμ þ3 1þ μ þ3 1þ μ − 1 ≥ ½εŠ:
8 27 27
ð27Þ
The value of S can be calculated using the Newton–Cotes
quadrature formula [30]:
We can transform Equation (27) to the following:
Z n h i " sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
  sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
 #
1 pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi2
b ðnÞ
Ið f Þ ¼ f ðxÞdx ¼ ðb − aÞ ∑ Ck f ðxk Þ : ð20Þ 11 2 11 2
a k¼0
2 1þμ þ3 1þ μ þ3 1þ μ ≥ 1 þ ½εŠ:
8 27 27
ð28Þ
Where
Solving the above inequality, we get the following:
xk ¼ a þ kh ðk ¼ 0; 1; …; nÞ: ð21Þ qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
27
μ≥ f1 þ ½εŠ2 − 1g: ð29Þ
11
b−a
h¼ : ð22Þ
n Thus,
 qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi1
Z 648EIZ 3
h n t−j l≥ f1 þ ½εŠ−1 g : ð30Þ
Ckn ¼ ∏ dt 11q
b−a 0 j¼0 k − j
j≠k
Z ð23Þ
ð−1Þn−k n Thus, if the rock beam that generates separation is a
¼ ∏ ðt − jÞdt: supported beam and its span satisfies Equation (30), the
n ⋅ k!ðn − kÞ! 0 j¼0
j≠k deflection caused by its self-weight will cause the strain to
reach the maximum value, and the rock beam will fracture.
Under these conditions, the generated separation is consid-
When n ¼ 3, the convergence and stability of the above ered to have reached the thoroughly mined state.
integral are guaranteed [31], then,
3. Coal Seam Group Mining Similarity
Z      Simulation Platform Construction and
b b−a 2a þ b 2a þ b
f ðxÞdx ¼ f ðaÞ þ 3f þ 3f þ f ðbÞ : Layout of Measurement Points
a 8 4 4
ð24Þ 3.1. Model Construction. Based on the engineering back-
ground of the mine’s working face and the principle of similar-
ity simulation experiments, appropriate simulation parameters
Therefore, for a simply supported beam, the average and model sizes were determined.
strain ε is as follows: The geometric similarity parameter αL was set to 0.01,
the bulk density similarity constant a was set to 0.6, and the
S−l time similarity constant αt was set to 1/12. Reasonable layers
ε¼ : ð25Þ were determined based on the thickness of each layer. A
l
2.5 × 1.5 × 0.4 m3 2D mine pressure similarity simulation
test system was chosen for the experiment. Each coal and
Substituting the curve length S into the above equation rock layer’s similar material mechanics parameters were calcu-
and letting μ ¼ ql3 =24EIZ , we can rearrange the equation to lated based on the strength parameters and formulas of different
obtain the following: overlying and underlying rock strata, with compressive strength
6 Advances in Civil Engineering

Te upper coal seam

(no. 3 coal seam)

Te lower coal seam

(no. 8 coal seam) Starting line

FIGURE 6: The layout of displacement measuring point.

FIGURE 5: Similar simulation test model.

as the primary index for material ratio selection. For detailed

parameters, please refer to the study of Zhang et al. [32] and
Wang et al. [33]. The primary materials used in the model
include water, gypsum, lime, and fine river sand, mixed in 70.4 cm
proportion and stirred evenly. Mica powder was added between
each layer for precise layering. The model’s cumulative height is
140.4 cm, with a total of 62 layers. Hydraulic jacks, instead of
53.8 cm
overlying load, were used to apply stress to the upper part of the
model. A similar experimental model is shown in Figure 5. 37 cm

3.2. Layout of Measurement Points. To accurately monitor the

movement and displacement changes of overlying strata dur-
ing coal seam advancement, displacement reference points 14 cm
were arranged at different positions on the front of the model.
The displacement reference points were arranged in 12 rows FIGURE 7: The layout of strain gauges.
and 24 columns with a spacing of 10 cm × 10 cm. First, a col-
umn of displacement reference points was arranged in the No.
3 coal seam at a distance of 10 and 7 cm from the left and right 8 coal seam was mined, and then the No. 3 coal seam was
boundaries of the model, respectively. Then, a reference point excavated once the overburden was stabilized.
was placed every 10 cm in the upward overlying strata of the
3.4. Measuring Instruments and Data Collection. Once the
No. 3 coal seam and the downward underlying strata of the No.
model had dried naturally, the electronic theodolite was used
3 coal seam until both ends of the model, with 288 displace-
to measure and record each measuring point’s horizontal
ment reference points arranged. A measuring label was pasted
and vertical angles. The DH3816 static strain testing instru-
and numbered to facilitate observation on each displacement
ment from the China University of Mining and Technology
reference point. The actual layout of the displacement reference
(Beijing) was utilized to gather strain gauge data during the
points is shown in Figure 6.
model excavation. Figure 8 displays the measurement tools
To simulate and collect the dynamic changes of the over-
and data collected. For the experiment, a digital photogram-
burden pressure and abutment pressure during the mining of
metry system was arranged on one side. A Canon professional
the lower protective layer, strain gauge measurement points
camera was installed on a camera stand, and the focus was
were arranged at different positions inside the model during
adjusted to align with the experimental platform. The elec-
its laying process. A total of four layers of strain gauges were
tronic theodolite was calibrated for horizontal alignment, and
arranged in the model, with 15 gauges installed in each layer
two A8-400 photography lights were used for illumination.
for a total of 60 measurement points. The specific layer posi-
tions are shown in Figure 7, which includes one layer directly
above the No. 8 protective layer, two layers between the No. 3 4. Movement, Fracture, and Stress Dynamic
protected layer and the No. 8 coal seam, and one layer on the Evolution of Overburden
roof of the No. 3 coal seam. The height of the stress measur-
ing line was 14, 37, 53.8, and 70.4 cm, respectively, measured 4.1. Collapse Laws of Overburden after Coal Mining. Figure 9
from 10 cm away from the right boundary and spaced every shows the overlying rock movement and dynamic evolution
15 cm. of fractures when the lower coal seam advances at different
distances. As the coal seam advances continuously, the sus-
3.3. Model Excavation. A 25 cm coal pillar was left on each pended area of the roof gradually increases, and the increas-
side of the model to reduce the influence of boundary condi- ing span of the roof causes bending and sinking, resulting in
tions. According to the time similarity ratio, the face advances separation fractures between the roof layers. When the work-
by 3.6 cm every 2 hr. First, the lower protective layer of the No. ing face advances to 45 m, a large roof area collapses, creating
Advances in Civil Engineering 7

ðaÞ ðbÞ ðcÞ

FIGURE 8: The measuring instrument for the experiment: (a) strain gauge; (b) DH3816 static strain testing system; (c) electronic theodolite.

Bed-separation space

Vertical penetrating crack

h
Strata breaking

Vertical nonpenetrating crack

ðaÞ ðbÞ

Newly generated 上 Horizontal cracks

separation cracks in upper coal seam
Newly generated Upper Original generated
separation cracks Middle Original generated Strata breaking line separation cracks
Lower separation cracks

Strata breaking line

ðcÞ ðdÞ

Vertical crack
Newly generated
separation cracks Cracks in coal Horizontal crack

ðeÞ ðf Þ
FIGURE 9: Dynamic evolution laws of overburden movement and fracture with different distances of lower coal seam advancement: (a) 40 m;
(b) 50 m; (c) 75 m; (d) 80 m; (e) 90 m; (f ) 140 m.
8 Advances in Civil Engineering

a significant separation space in the upper part of the roof. good, which is also beneficial to gas desorption and flow. As
The rock layer above loses support, and the separation frac- the working face continues to advance, the separation frac-
tures develop. tures away from the face side gradually compact or even
When the working face advances to 50 m, the roof of the become slight, and the height of the separation fracture close
first layer reaches the ultimate span, breaks through at the to the face side further upwardly develops. However, the
working face, and forms an obvious separation fracture with opening of the fractures becomes smaller. The lower No. 8
the overburdened rock layer. The rock layer below the base coal seam has a small mining height. On the one hand, the
roof also bends, sinks, and fractures due to the breaking of volume of the overlying rock layer increases after breaking
the base roof. Horizontal fractures always occur in the rock and sinking. On the other hand, the broken rock in the caving
layer first; the deflection of the rock layer gradually increases, zone gradually compacts, reducing the crushed expansion
the width of the horizontal cracks increases, and separation effect and decreasing the space for overburden movement.
occurs, and then vertical unpenetrated cracks appear in the When the working face advances to 140 m, the rock break
rock layer. The position of the cutting hole and the rock line presents a “stepped” shape.
formation fracture above the working face are inclined Figure 10 shows the dynamic evolution of overlying
toward the direction of the gob. Due to compaction in the strata movement and fracture during the advancing process
middle of the gob, the vertically unconnected fractures do of the upper coal seam at different distances. When the upper
not further develop, and the caving zone presents a promi- coal seam advances to a distance of 30 m, the immediate roof
nent trapezoidal area. The upper part of the trapezoid (the hangs and bends down, causing the secondary development
upper part of the gob) forms a nonsealed separation space, of previously closed vertical fractures and horizontal separa-
which is connected to the lower fracture space through ver- tion fractures in the overlying strata to reopen. Due to the
tically connected fractures. relief effect and fracture development caused by the lower
When the working face advances to 60 m, the roof rock coal seam excavation, the No. 3 coal seam roof exhibits obvi-
layer of the working face forms a hinged structure with the ous blocky behavior during excavation. When the upper coal
rock layer above the gob area. The surrounding rock bears seam advances to 40 m, a large roof area collapses, forming a
the roof pressure, the pressure on the support is minimal, larger space for separation. As the roof forms a voussoir
and the separation layer crack is up to 18 m. hinge structure, the support only bears a small part of the
When the working face continues to advance to 70 m, the weight of the overlying strata, and the roof pressure is mini-
overburden continuously moves forward, and the rock layers mal. However, when the working face advances to 45 m, the
of the working face roof continue to bend and sink, forming range of collapsed overlying strata increases. Although the
the first periodic weighting with separation fractures in the roof also forms a voussoir hinge structure, due to the accu-
overburden developing. The original separation fractures are mulation of collapsed overlying layers, the load borne by the
gradually compacted, and new separation fractures develop support increases, and the mining pressure intensifies, form-
at higher positions in the top layer. The separation fractures ing the first weighting. Moreover, as the span of the hanging
extend to the upper part of the No. 3 coal seam, and the rock layer further increases, the lower part of the rock layer is
highest separation fracture height reaches 38 m. The coal subjected to tension, resulting in the secondary development
seam above is affected by the mining activity of the lower of new vertical fractures and previously closed vertical frac-
coal seam and begins to experience pressure relief and tures reopening. When the working face advances to 55 m,
expansion. Hence, a few horizontal fractures appear in the the height of collapsed overlying strata further increases, and
coal seam. New separation layer fissures in the overlying rock the roof undergoes its first cyclic weighting process, with a
continue to develop, the development range of the original step distance of 10 m. The rock mass within the caving zone
separation layer fissures gradually shrinks or even becomes is more fragmented, and the shattered rock mass at the back
compacted, and the horizontal cracks in the upper coal seam of the gob gradually becomes compacted under pressure.
(No. 8) develop significantly. A more stable voussoir beam structure is formed on the
When the working face continues to advance to 90 m, the roof of the working face side, and when the working face
overlying rock continues to move forward and upward, the advances to 65 m, the height of the overlying strata separa-
fault line of the rock layer above the working face continues tion reaches approximately 30 m, and the pressure borne by
to move forward, and the height of the horizontal cracks in the support from the overlying strata increases to somewhat.
the separation layer exceeds the upper coal seam (No. 3). The However, due to the voussoir structure formed by the sur-
highest point of horizontal crack development is approxi- rounding rock of the working face, it transfers the overlying
mately 50 m above the roof of the lower coal seam. At the strata pressure to the front of the working face and the gob
same time, the cracks in the middle of the gob area start to side. When the working face advances to 75 m, the rock
close gradually due to the subsidence and extrusion of the mass’s voussoir structure loses support from the front coal
roof. However, the span of the horizontal fractures in the wall, causing it to break and sink along the breaking line, and
upper No. 3 coal seam increases, and vertical fractures begin most of the load of the overlying strata is transferred to the
to increase, with an expansion of swelling deformation. At gob area through a higher voussoir beam structure. The sup-
this time, influenced by the mining activity of the lower coal port bears the weight of the upper part of the collapsed rock
seam (No. 8), the pressure relief effect and fracture develop- mass, and the mining pressure intensifies with a step distance
ment of the No. 3 coal seam within a range of about 45 m is of 20 m. When the working face advances to 85 m, the
Advances in Civil Engineering 9

ðaÞ ðbÞ

ðcÞ ðdÞ

Voussoir beam structure

Overburden pressure
Overlying strata
supported by
hydraulic support

ðeÞ ðf Þ

115 m
ðgÞ ðhÞ
FIGURE 10: Dynamic evolution laws of overburden movement and fracture with different distances of upper coal seam advancement: (a) 30 m;
(b) 40 m; (c) 45 m; (d) 55 m; (e) 65 m; (f ) 75 m; (g) 85 m; (h) 115 m.
10 Advances in Civil Engineering

breaking line of the overlying strata moves forward, and the data was effectively extracted and analyzed, and the strain
roof rock layers break and rotary form a structure. The peri- changing rules of three strain gauges 1–6, 1−8, and 1–9 were
odic weighting of the working face is not significant, and the obtained as the lower coal seam advanced. As shown in
height and thickness of the separation in overlying strata Figure 12, it can be seen that the strains at the three measur-
increase, with a height of 55 m. When the working face ing points have experienced a process of first increasing to
advances to 100 m, the roof rock layer breaks and sinks, the peak value, then decreasing, and finally stabilizing, indi-
causing periodic weighting of the working face with a step cating that the base plate has experienced pressurization–
distance of 25 m. At this time, three clear rock layer breaking decompression–pressurization–stabilization during the recov-
lines are formed in the direction of the face advancing, repre- ery process since the distance between measuring points 1–6
senting the three-periodic weighting formed by the rotation is 70 m from the cutting face when the working face advances
and sinking of the rock layers. When the working face about 190 m, its strain becomes stable, indicating that the stress
advances to 115 m, the roof near the working face collapses at measuring points 1–6 has basically returned to the state before
and forms another periodic weighting with a step distance of mining so that it can be obtained the stress recovery distance in
15 m. The stable voussoir beam structure of the overlying the gob area is approximately 120 m (190−70 m).
strata in the distance from the working face mainly bears
the load of the overlying strata, resulting in less intense min- 4.4. Pressure Relief Rules of the Upper Coal Seam after Mining
ing pressure. When the coal seam advances from 115 to 145 of the Lower Coal Seam. Through the vertical stress similarity
m, the roof undergoes rotation and sinking, with a relatively ratio of the model, the strain of the No. 3 stress measuring
stable overall structure and relatively small amounts of rota- line is converted into stress, and the stress change pattern of
tion and sinking, gradually easing the mining pressure around the upper coal seam when the lower coal seam advances at
the working face. However, when the working face advances different distances. As shown in Figure 13, when the working
to 145 m, the stable structure near the mining area loses bal- face advances 35 m, the maximum pressure relief point is
ance and collapses, and all the weight is pressed onto the about 14 m behind the working face and 3 m in front of
support, causing intense mining pressure on the working the working face and near the open-off cut area. Stress con-
face with a step distance of 30 m. When the upper coal centration occurs due to vertical stress transfer. Due to the
seam advances to 165 m, the working face undergoes another short advancement distance, the basic roof does not collapse,
periodic weighting with a step distance of 20 m. and the lower coal seam overlying the rock fracture zone has
not developed. Therefore, the upper coal seam is less affected
4.2. Discontinuity Movement of Upper Coal Seam due to by mining, and the stress concentration and pressure relief
Lower Seam Mining Activity. After the lower coal seam is effect are not significant. The maximum pressure relief point
mined, the displacement change curve of the upper coal is basically located in the middle of the gob area, and the
seam is shown in Figure 11. Figure 11(a) shows the vertical vertical stress of the upper coal seam is in a “V” shape. As the
displacement changes of the three displacement monitoring working face continues to advance, the influence range of
points of the upper coal seam when the lower coal seam protective layer mining gradually increases. When the work-
advances at different distances. When the working face ing face advances to 100 m, the vertical stress in the 5–53 m
advances within 65 m, the displacement changes of the three behind the working face is low, and the pressure relief effect
measuring points are small; the displacement of the 1–6 is better. As the roof undergoes periodic collapse and the
measuring points is about 8 mm, the displacement of the upper coal seam’s pressure relief range and degree continue
2–6 and 3–6 measuring points is almost 0, the 2–6 and 3–6 to increase, when the working face advances to 160 m, the
measuring points are accompanied by the overall overlying vertical stress distribution of the upper coal seam shows a
rock movement and increase rapidly when the working sur- “W” shape. Due to the support of the collapsed gangue in the
face advances 140 and 180 m. When the working surface gob, the vertical stress in the middle of the gob has recovered
advances from 75 to 110 m, the displacement of measuring to some extent. In summary, during the lower coal seam
points 1–6 increases rapidly, from 34.3 to 1,570.2 mm. The mining process, the pressure relief degree and range of the
vertical displacement speed slows down after the working upper coal seam gradually increase, the peak point of vertical
surface advances to 110 m. When the working surface advances stress moves forward continuously, and the vertical stress
to 200 m, the vertical displacement of measuring points 1–6 is distribution of the upper coal seam changes from “V” type
about 2,155.9 mm, and the displacement curve almost becomes (the immediate roof does not collapse) to “U” type (the
horizontal, indicating that the subsidence of measuring points immediate roof collapses for the first time) and then to
1–6 has approached the maximum value. Figure 11(b) shows “W” type (the immediate roof undergoes periodic collapse).
the overall displacement curve of the upper coal seam. The
vertical displacement in the gob’s middle is larger than on
both sides. As the gob gradually compacts, the corresponding 5. Pressure Relief Expansion and Crack
vertical displacement in the middle of the gob no longer Evolution Rules of the Upper Protected
increases. Coal Seam
4.3. Strain Changes of the Floor after Lower Coal Seam During the advancement of the lower coal seam, the pressure
Mining. To obtain the changing rules of floor stress during relief and expansion deformation of the upper coal seam can
the mining process of the lower coal seam, the floor strain be determined by the relative distance changes between
Advances in Civil Engineering 11

200 (mm)
Face advance distance (m)
0
–200 60 m 65 m 75 m 90 m 100 m 110 m 120 m 140 m 155 m 180 m 200 m

–400
–600
–800
–1,000
–1,200
–1,400
–1,600
–1,800
–2,000
–2,200
–2,400
1–6 3–6
2–6
ðaÞ

2 /100 mm
Different location of upper coal seam
0
–2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
–4
–6
–8
–10
–12
–14
–16
–18
–20
–22
–24
–26
120 m 160 m
140 m 200 m

ðbÞ
FIGURE 11: Vertical displacement of upper coal seam with different face advance of lower coal seam: (a) vertical displacement of points 1–6,
2−6, and 3–6; (b) vertical displacement of line 4.

points. Assuming the original coordinates of the two points If the result satisfies equation (a), it indicates that the two
A and B are A (x0, y0) and B (x1, y1), respectively, their points are in tension; if it satisfies equation (b), it indicates
relative length is L0; the coordinates of the two points A’ that the two points are not affected by mining; if it satisfies
and B’ after mining are A’ (x2, y2) and B’ (x3, y3), respec- equation (c), it indicates that the two points are under
tively, and their relative length is L1. The specific determina- compression.
tion method is as follows: Using the Data Graph Digitizer software, a coordinate
8 system was established in the images captured by a high-
> d A0 B 0 magnification camera, and the coordinates of the displace-
>
> >1ðaÞ
>
> dAB ment monitoring points in the image were extracted to cal-
>
>
<d 0 0 culate the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the observed
AB
¼ 1 ðb Þ : ð31Þ monitoring points (upper, middle, and lower points of the
>
> d
>
>
AB
upper coal seam) during the advancement of the working
>
> d 0 0
>
: A B <1ðcÞ face in the lower coal seam. The deformation law of overlying
dAB strata, including the upper coal seam’s pressure relief and
12 Advances in Civil Engineering

150
Deformation (μm)

100

50

Face advance distance (m)

0
0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200

–50

–100

–150
1–6 1–9
1–8

FIGURE 12: The strain change of measurement points with lower coal seam advancing.

Vertical stress increment (MPa)

10

0
–15 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210

–5 Distance from open-off cut (m)

–10

–15

–20
35 160
100 200
120

FIGURE 13: The stress change of the upper coal seam with the lower coal seam advancing.

expansion deformation, was analyzed. The process of extract- deformations exhibit similar patterns during the advance-
ing the relative coordinates of the monitoring points is shown ment of the lower coal seam but with different distribution
in Figure 14. The extracted coordinate data are shown in ranges. For example, when the working face of the lower coal
Table 1, and the ratio of relative length between monitoring seam advances 80 m, the No.1 monitoring point in the upper
points at different distances of the advancing working face in coal seam (10 m from the gob) is located in the compaction
the lower coal seam is shown in Table 2. zone, where the upper coal seam is under compression, Nos.
The curve of the ratio of relative length between the 2 and 3 monitoring points are in the transitional zone. The
monitoring point in the upper coal seam and the monitoring upper coal seam between Nos. 4 and 8 monitoring points
point in the upper coal seam floor for different face advances (20–50 m from the gob) is under tension and experience
of the lower coal seam is shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 shows pressure relief and expansion deformation. The 9th and
that the upper coal seam’s compression and expansion 10th monitoring points, 60–70 m away from the gob, are in
Advances in Civil Engineering 13

Area of coordinate value

Origin of coordinate

The point up the upper coal seam

The point in the upper coal seam

The point below the upper seam

FIGURE 14: The measurement of the relative coordinate of the measuring point.

TABLE 1: The coordinate of measurement points with different face advances of the lower coal seam (part).
0m 80 m 90 m 100 m
The point in the upper coal seam
Coordinate x y x y x y x y
1 214.108 63.6643 214.155 63.9295 214.413 63.4949 214.38 63.587
2 203.727 63.7489 203.775 63.9214 203.937 63.4949 203.992 63.587
3 193.957 63.6643 194.005 63.829 194.159 63.4949 194.214 63.587
4 184.013 63.7489 184.06 63.9062 184.294 63.6643 184.262 64.0109
5 173.981 63.6643 174.029 63.8985 174.167 63.9182 174.312 65.0283
6 163.601 63.5796 163.561 63.8055 163.69 64.0029 163.662 65.4522
7 153.569 63.6643 153.703 63.8828 153.913 64.5109 153.884 65.1978
8 143.886 63.8336 143.933 63.9602 144.222 64.0029 144.105 64.6891
9 134.029 63.8336 134.076 64.0375 134.27 63.7489 134.239 64.1804
10 124.259 63.7489 124.306 63.945 124.492 63.7489 124.46 63.7565
11 114.663 63.4949 114.711 63.598 114.889 63.4103 114.769 63.4174
12 104.195 63.7489 104.243 63.8446 104.413 63.5796 104.293 63.6717
13 94.6869 63.8336 94.6471 63.8372 94.7222 63.6643 94.6901 63.6717
14 84.9169 63.7489 84.9643 63.8297 85.0317 63.4949 84.9995 63.587
15 75.4086 63.6643 75.456 63.7375 75.5159 63.4949 75.5709 63.587
16 65.2026 63.4949 65.337 63.475 65.3889 63.3256 65.3561 63.3326
17 55.4324 63.6643 55.4798 63.7221 55.6111 63.4103 55.5787 63.5022
18 45.5751 63.8336 45.7098 63.8843 45.746 63.6643 45.6267 63.6717
19 35.2814 64.1722 35.3291 64.2159 35.3571 64.0029 35.326 64.0957
20 26.558 64.4262 26.6059 64.4639 26.627 64.1722 26.5962 64.2652
21 15.916 63.9182 16.0508 63.8614 15.9762 63.6643 16.0316 63.7565
22 4.92446 64.2569 4.97224 64.1925 4.97619 64.0029 4.94507 64.0957
14 Advances in Civil Engineering

TABLE 2: The ratio among the relative length of the measuring points with different face advances of the lower coal seam.
80 m 90 m 100 m 120 m 140 m 160 m 180 m 200 m
Points
Ratio Ratio Ratio Ratio Ratio Ratio Ratio Ratio
1 0.986227 0.991585 1.001381 0.993012 0.993171 1.001492 0.992976 1.002915
2 1.002746 1.000025 1.018016 1.009878 0.992911 1.001311 1.001159 1.011141
3 1.0113 0.999998 1.00998 1.001623 1.001566 1.002161 1.001644 1.011797
4 1.071452 1.076606 1.061126 1.052325 1.052579 1.060914 1.052489 1.062586
5 1.156053 1.144218 1.052285 1.060857 1.052418 1.069254 1.052369 1.062559
6 1.154608 1.134492 1.026889 1.018321 1.009927 1.009866 1.018314 1.019789
7 1.067335 1.031986 1.017361 1.017442 1.009288 1.001326 0.993215 1.010721
8 1.011698 1.026476 1.045404 1.019023 1.010238 1.01026 1.010237 1.020545
9 0.985278 0.991221 1.010151 1.010492 0.992588 1.001668 0.99267 0.99412
10 0.994169 0.97403 0.992815 1.045553 1.001525 0.992831 0.984029 1.00291
11 0.994537 0.983325 1.001505 1.034967 1.018155 1.009815 1.009837 1.002941
12 0.994242 1.000103 1.001422 1.010063 1.053311 1.018791 1.010396 1.011501
13 1.020056 1.008452 1.018573 1.01858 1.044458 1.03583 1.027175 1.02872
14 0.985861 0.991477 1.001399 0.992908 0.992919 1.009885 1.001407 1.002858
15 1.002897 1 1.001465 0.992892 1.010021 1.027312 1.010145 1.002907
16 1.011309 1.00002 1.018425 1.001472 1.010078 1.018286 1.035378 1.028602
17 0.994203 1.008706 1.010197 0.992877 1.001426 1.001472 1.018891 1.020352
18 1.003143 1.009023 1.009969 1.001725 1.001379 1.001668 1.010021 1.020771
19 1.002867 1.000276 1.001364 0.992785 1.001372 1.001382 0.992518 1.021943
20 0.993742 1.009446 1.001339 1.001419 1.001343 1.001071 1.001448 1.021107
21 1.003254 1.008565 1.001728 1.001842 1.00221 1.001764 1.011009 1.003336
22 1.002854 1.008815 1.010198 1.010276 1.010202 1.019071 1.001841 1.011769

1.2 Ratio of relative length

1.15

1.1

1.05

Measuring point
0.95
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
80 m 140 m
90 m 160 m
100 m 180 m
120 m 200 m

FIGURE 15: The curve of the relative length of the measuring points with different face advances of the lower coal seam.

the transition zone, while the coal seams beyond 80 m from stress and deformation of the upper coal seam in other areas,
the gob are less affected by mining activities. As the working recover to their premining state.
face continues to advance, due to sufficient mining, the over- During the mining of the lower coal seam, Figure 16
lying strata sink as a whole, except for the stretching defor- shows the dynamic evolution of fractures, pressure relief,
mation of the overlying strata at the open-off cut area and the and expansion deformation of the upper coal seam. When
Advances in Civil Engineering 15

Open-off cut of
Coal face of lower coal seam lower coal seam
Pressure relief and expansion
of upper coal seam

Point 1-6 of line 1 Fracture development

ðaÞ

Open-off cut of
Coal face of lower coal seam lower coal seam
Sufficient pressure relief and
expansion of upper coal seam

Point 1-6 of line 1

Horizontal and vertical fracture well developed
ðbÞ

Coal face of lower coal seam Open-off cut of

Point 1-6 of line 1 lower coal seam
Fracture developed
Point 2-6 of line 2 Fracture closed
Expansion Expansion
area area

ðcÞ

Fracture developed
Fracture closed Open-off cut of
Coal face of lower coal seam lower coal seam

Point 3-6 of line 3

Point 2-6 of line 2 Point 1-6 of line 1
Fracture developed

ðdÞ
FIGURE 16: Fracture development and expansion of upper coal seam with different face advance of lower coal seam: (a) 70 m; (b) 90 m;
(c) 130 m; (d) 180 m.

the working face of the lower coal seam advances 70 m where fractures of the upper coal seam corresponding to the
(Figure 16(a)), the middle part of the upper coal seam in closed region of the gob area increase, and the pressure relief
the gob area begins to delaminate with the floor rock layer, area becomes stable. When the working face advances 180 m
and horizontal cracks develop, causing gas desorption from (Figure 16(d)), the closed fracture zone is approximately
the coal body. When the working face of the lower coal seam 90 m, and fractures of the corresponding upper coal seam
advances 90 m (Figure 16(b)), the middle part of the upper on the gob side and the working face side of the lower coal
coal seam in the gob area is located in the fractured zone seam are in a developed state.
caused by mining, and horizontal and vertical cracks are Therefore, based on the pressure relief and fracture
more developed. The upper coal seam’s pressure relief and evolution laws of the upper coal seam during the mining
expansion deformation are more sufficient in this area, of the lower coal seam, it can be concluded that any point
which is rich in free gas and conducive to gas extraction. above the gob undergoes compression, expansion deforma-
When the working face of the lower coal seam further tion, increased expansion deformation, decreased expansion
advances 130 m (Figure 16(c)), the fractures of the upper deformation, and stable expansion deformation phases. After
coal seam in the middle of the gob area close due to the the deformation of the overlying strata above the gob area
compacted collapsed rock mass in the gob area, but the upper stabilizes, the upper coal seam can be divided into five zones:
coal seam is still under pressure relief state. Corresponding compression deformation zone, pressure relief and expan-
fractures of the upper coal seam develop at the gob and the sion transition zone, pressure relief and expansion stable
working face sides of the lower coal seam. As the working zone, pressure relief and expansion transition zone, and
face of the lower coal seam continues to advance, the area compression deformation zone, as shown in Figure 17.
16 Advances in Civil Engineering

Continous deformation zone

Zone
Upper coal seam

Fractured
Fracture developed

Lower coal seam Starting line of the working face

Caving zone
Stopping line of the working face

Compression deformation zone

Pressure relief and expansion transition zone
Pressure relief and expansion stable zone

FIGURE 17: The expansion deformation zone of the upper coal seam after excavation of the lower coal seam.

6. Conclusions deformation, decreased expansion deformation, and sta-

ble expansion deformation, and fractures also undergo
The analysis of roof breakage and overlying strata deforma- development, expansion, and compaction closure pro-
tion can provide effective methods for preventing coal and cesses. After the deformation of the overlying strata
gas outbursts, such as selecting appropriate advancing dis- above the gob area stabilizes, the upper coal seam can
tances of the working face and setting support parameters be divided into five zones: compression deformation
reasonably to reduce the impact of mining on the overlying zone, pressure relief, and expansion transition zone,
strata and reduce the risk of coal and gas outbursts. pressure relief and expansion stable zone, pressure relief
and expansion transition zone, and compression defor-
(1) The theoretical derivation of the vertical fracture mation zone.
opening angle formed by the roof breakage should
satisfy the fracture deformation strength and coordi-
nation conditions. The angle is related to the second Data Availability
derivative of the subsidence curve equation inside the
rock formation. Based on the maximum strain theory The data used to support the findings of this study are
of a rock beam, the span condition satisfied by the included within the article.
fracture is obtained when the rock beam is regarded
as a simply supported beam. Conflicts of Interest
(2) During the advancement of the upper coal seam
working face, the roof exhibits large and short peri- The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
odic weighting lengths and showed the phenomenon
of serious and mild periodic weighting, respectively. Authors’ Contributions
(3) The roof periodically collapses and subsides during the
C.Z. and N.P. conceived the main idea of the paper and
advancement of the lower coal seam working face. The
designed a similar simulation test model; C.Z. performed a
pressure relief range and degree on the gob area similar simulation model; C.Z., X.C., N.P., S.Z., and M.F. ana-
increase first and then stabilize. The floor experiences lyzed the data; R.F., A.A., and X.C. contributed analysis tools
a process of increased pressure-reduced pressure- and theoretical analysis; N.P., C.Z., and A.A. wrote the paper;
increased pressure-recovery, and the distance for stress X.C. and W.Z. did a lot of work to modify figures and proofread
recovery in the gob area is approximately 120 m. The the revised version.
extent and range of pressure relief deformation of the
upper coal seam continuously increase, and the peak
point of vertical stress migrates forward, with the ver-
Acknowledgments
tical stress distribution form sequentially being “V,” This paper was supported by the Natural Science Foundation
“U,” and “W.” of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (no. 20KJB440002),
(4) During the mining of the lower coal seam, the upper the Blue Engineering Talent Project of Jiangsu Province, and
coal seam undergoes five stages of compressive defor- the Foundation of Huaiyin Institute of Technology (no.
mation, expansion deformation, increased expansion Z301B20530).
Advances in Civil Engineering 17

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