Work

Waterlogging Stability Identification: Ray-Based Model Application in Mining Areas with High Groundwater Levels—A Case Study of Huainan Coal Field

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Surface subsidence and water accumulation are common consequences of underground coal mining in areas with high groundwater levels, leading to waterlogged zones. Predicting the stability of these subsidence-induced water bodies is critical for effective land reclamation, yet current methods remain inadequate, particularly when mining data are limited. This study addresses this gap by introducing a new approach to evaluate the stability of subsidence waterlogging zones. We developed a novel method based on the ray model to assess waterlogging stability in coal mining areas. Rays were cast from origins at 1° intervals to measure changes in water accumulation boundaries over time, using metrics like the Expansion Ratio Index and stability duration. The proposed method was applied to the Huainan coal field, a typical mining area with high groundwater levels in China. We studied 41 subsidence water patches, selecting ray origins for each patch and constructing a total of 14,760 rays at 1° intervals. (2) Out of all effective rays, 4250 (32.6%) were identified as stable. (3) Stability analysis classified 32.6% as “stable”, 66.4% as “observation required”, and 1.6% as “expanding.” Specific reclamation suggestions include filling shallow stable areas and developing permanent projects in larger stable zones.

Source: Land

DOI: 10.3390/land13121975

Authors: Yueming Sun, Yanling Zhao, He Ren, Zhibin Li, Yanjie Tang

Institutions: China University of Mining and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology - Beijing, Tianjin Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Geotechnical and Mining Engineering

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955