Features of rock pressure manifestations with the slice pillarless extraction of the Third potash layer at the Starobin potash salt deposit

Abstract

Rock pressure manifestations in the development workings and the bottomhole region of the lower longwalls with the slice pillarless extraction of the Third potash layer of the Starobin potash salt deposit were studied. The stability of the development workings and the bottomhole space of the longwalls and the nature of interaction of the bottomhole lining with the adjoining rocks were studied. The intensity of manifestations of rock pressure in the longwalls and the nature of roof subsidence of the bottomhole region and its fall behind the face support were assessed. The nature of the loading speed distribution of the bottomhole lining for the treatment cycle was clarified. The rate of change of the loading before the heading and during this process and the loading rate of the bottomhole lining are taken as the main load support indicators for the treatment cycle. The cyclical nature of the change in the magnitude of these indicators in the interval of 10–12 treatment cycles is revealed. Their dependence on elastic stresses and creep of roof rocks after the formation of a new face is shown. The presence of the dynamic component of the load of the bottomhole lining due to the factor of the speed of the bottomhole movement was established. The influence of the deformation of rocks in the troughs of displacement on the bottomhole lining has been established. At the same time, it is shown that over a time interval of more than 2 years, the intensity of deformation of the rocks is significantly reduced. The possibility is shown how to determine the mean spacing of the secondary rock subsidence of the main roof and to identify anomalies associated with the boundaries of tectonic dislocations, faults and subsidence troughs by analyzing the dynamics of the accumulated deviations from the average of load support indicators. Recommendations have been developed on rational and safe parameters for maintaining the bottomhole region and the development workings of the lower longwalls with the slice pillarless extraction of the Third potash layer.