Experimental research on strata movement characteristics of backfill–strip mining using similar material modeling

In consideration of the high filling costs and backfill material shortage at present, backfill–strip mining, which combines the advantages of strip mining and backfill mining, has gradually been adopted to control surface subsidence. In this study, similar material modeling is established to simulate strata movement characteristics of backfill–strip mining. The displacement and deformation values of this similar material modeling are precisely acquired through close-range photogrammetry and optical image methods, respectively. On this basis, structural and movement characteristics of the overlying strata are investigated in different stages to reveal the strata subsidence control mechanism of backfill–strip mining. The dynamic deformation characteristics of the overlying strata in mining are also explored. This study provides a scientific technical reference for safe mining engineering design and surface disaster protection for backfill–strip mining.