Estimation of Coal and Rock Mechanical Properties for Numerical Modelling of Longwall Extraction

Abstract

Reliable estimation of coal and rock mechanical properties at field scale is a prerequisite for numerical modelling of rock behaviours associated with longwall extraction. This paper describes a systematic approach from data collection, laboratory testing to rock mass properties derivation for simulation of longwall extraction, taking two longwall panels at Quang Ninh coalfield in Vietnam for example. The mechanical properties are verified through comparison with published data of the field, indicating close agreements. A simple numerical model is further developed to demonstrate the proper use of the obtained data. The simulation suggests that the ratio of model length to excavation length should be in the range of 2.5–5; uniaxial compressive strength, deformation modulus and tensile strength can be reduced by a factor of 5.0, 2.13 and 2.0, respectively; and a calibration and validation process must be performed to match in-situ longwall’s behaviours. The approach can be applied for derivation of reliable rock mass properties for numerical simulation of underground excavations.