Data from: Strain energy analysis of floor heave in longwall gateroads

Floor heave in longwall gateroads is a severe issue that affects the mining safety and efficiency. Researchers, however, have limited understanding on the floor heave mechanism because the deformation of the post-failure rocks in the floor is seldom considered previously. In this study, we developed a theoretical model using the strain energy theory to investigate the post-failure deformation of rocks. This model was validated before being implemented into a numerical modelling package, FLAC3D, for floor heave analysis. Based on a case study of a longwall entry employing stiff-yield pillar configuration, we observe that the massive floor heave occurs at the entry rib that takes less loads (yield pillar) and eventually propagates toward the other rib bearing significant amount of loads (stiff pillar). This observation sheds lights on the floor heave mechanism in longwall gateroads and has major implications on the control technologies for a safe and efficient longwall mining.

长壁回采巷道（longwall gateroads）底臌（floor heave）是严重威胁采矿安全与生产效率的典型工程难题。然而，由于此前鲜有研究考虑巷道底板破坏后岩体的变形特征，学界对其底臌机理的认知仍较为有限。本研究基于应变能理论（strain energy theory）构建了理论模型，用以探究岩体破坏后的变形行为。该模型经有效性验证后，被导入数值模拟软件FLAC3D中开展底臌分析。基于某采用刚柔柱（stiff-yield pillar）布置的长壁巷道案例研究，本研究发现大规模底臌率先发生在承载荷载较小的巷道帮（屈服柱侧），并最终向承载较大荷载的另一侧巷道帮（刚性柱侧）扩展延伸。该发现揭示了长壁回采巷道底臌的作用机理，对研发安全高效长壁开采的支护控制技术具有重要指导意义。