Microseismic Monitoring of Failure Mechanisms in Extra Thick Coal Seam Surrounding Rock

Fully-mechanized caving mining with a substantial mining height is inevitably accompanied by alterations in the surrounding rock, coal seam fractures, and stress field. To predict these problems, this study employs the utilization of microseismic monitoring technology to dynamically observe the behavior of the surrounding rock and coal seam during the mining process at Tongxing Coal Mine. By analyzing the microseismic data obtained from this monitoring, the migration patterns of the surrounding rock and the evolution of crack propagation during the advancement of the mining face are examined. The investigation demonstrates that microseismic monitoring technology can proficiently oversee the fractures in the surrounding rock and serves as an effective measure to prevent roof instability. The occurrence patterns of microseismic events replicate the entire process of rock movement and fracture, elucidating the scope of rock motion and the distribution of stress in the surrounding rock, while also effectively predicting the fracture zone, failure range, and failure strength of the enveloping rock. This monitoring technology offers comprehensive oversight of the movement of the surrounding rock in fully mechanized caving faces within extra-thick coal seams, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the damage incurred by the surrounding rock. Concurrently, in conjunction with the theory of rock mass pressure, it can scientifically and reliably detect anomalous geological structures within the working face, as well as the movement patterns and stress fluctuations of the surrounding rock. The findings of this study provide valuable technical support for the application of microseismic monitoring technology in the monitoring of surrounding rock within deep underground spaces.