Assessment of goaf characteristics and compaction in longwall caving

Abstract

This paper reviews the prevalent models for characterisation of goaf behaviour and their applicability for numerical modelling based estimation of stress recovery in typical strata conditions in Indian longwall mines. The work has been supplemented through a numerical modelling study incorporating a double yield model to assess its effectiveness in simulating the recovery of stress in the goaf. A digital photo analysis technique has been developed to characterise the goaf material. Based on findings of these studies, short and long term strategies are proposed for developing an improved model for a field representative estimation of stress-strain behaviour of the goaf material. © 2011 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.