LAUSR

A thin basement coal seam mining model under different overlying strata conditions was developed using the discrete element software UDEC. This approach is used to discuss the safety mining of the thin basement coal seams. Fracture development in overlying and rock strata movement law in the stope was discussed. The relationship between support and surrounding rocks under different overlying strata conditions was analyzed. Lastly, a field industrial test was conducted based on the research results. A few major conclusions could be drawn. Under load transmission in loose water-bearing strata, causing a large-scaled rock strata movement to advance into the working face is easy when only one bearing stratum exists in the overlying strata. Meanwhile, the support bears strong loads, which can easily be collapsed. When two bearing strata exist in the overlying one, the upper bearing stratum can form a voussoir beam structure. Loads on the support decreased substantially compared with those under single bearing stratum, whilst the probability of pressing frame was reduced accordingly. A weathered zone above the stope was reinforced by ground J-type drilling pregrouting, thereby improving the physical and mechanical properties and increasing the bearing capacity of the rock strata in the grouting range and safety mining of the working face in the lower coal seams. Research results provide important references for the safety mining of thin basement coal seams under similar conditions.