Simulation of the activation of mining faults and grouting reinforcement under thick loose layer and thin bedrock

We have investigated the activation characteristics of mining faults and the effect of grouting reinforcement under thick loose layer and thin bedrock of the working face and evaluate their impact on the safety of mining at similar working faces. Implementing the geological conditions of the 331 working face of the Yangcun Coal Mine (China) of the Yankuang Energy Group Corporation, we have analyzed mechanically the process of fault activation at first. Subsequently, we have obtained the mechanical criterion of fault slip and the expression of relative strength of the nearby rock mass. Using numerical software we have simulated and analyzed the damage characteristics of different bedrock thicknesses on overlying rocks and faults in the fluid–solid coupling mode. In addition, we have studied the controlling effect of grouting reinforcement on fault activation, which has been verified in the field. The main results of our study show that: 1. The mechanical properties of the rock mass near the fault interface have changed and they are related to the cohesive force of the interface; 2. The water inrush mode of the working face changes under different bedrock thickness, and the thinner the bedrock, the less easily the fault is destroyed 3. The slip of the high-level fault is reduced after the grouting of the fault, the propagation of the fracture zone at the fault is suppressed, the seepage of the aquifer water is prevented, and the safe recovery is realized. The results of our study provide a scientific basis for the secure mining across the fault of the 331 working face of Yangcun Coal Mine. Based on the results of our study the working face can be mined safely from now on and in the future.