The forecast of a possibility to re-use preparatory roadway with anchor-frame supports in mines of Western Donbass

Abstract

The authors present a solution for an live scientific applied problem on predicting a possibility to re-use a preparatory roadway - a mother entry, which is reinforced with the anchor-frame supports - in the conditions of the mines in Western Donbass. The purpose of the research is to develop a complex of practical recommendations, implementation of which will create the conditions for re-use of the roadway in the conditions of the Western Donbass mines. The solution of this problem is based on the analysis of changes in geomechanical state of the enclosing rocks in the vicinity of the roadway. The obtained analytical data on changes of the rock geomechanical state in the vicinity of the mother entry under typical operating conditions outside zone of longwall influence, in the bearing zone of advancing face of the longwall and behind the face of the longwall show that it is possible to predict a possibility for re-using a roadway during the implementation of routine measures on its maintenance and protection. Identification of the calculated values of the convergence of the roadway roof and soil showed good convergence with the corresponding factual values measured during the mine research. As a result of the research, a set of measures is proposed, implementation of which will create conditions for the roadway reuse. It is also proposed to use a combined timbering of strengthening which will allow to support the roadway edge and to change direction of load on the roadway frame support for providing more yielding and, besides, to reduce roof rock lowering up to 400 mm, preserve geometry of the roadway and prevent deformation of the frame support elements. The proposed recommendations will reduce operating costs of the roadway maintenance, improve safety of its operation and increase economic efficiency of mining district. Keywords: reuse of production, convergence of roofing and soil working, prefab stripping, operational safety.