Coal and rock fissure evolution and distribution characteristics of multi-seam mining

Henan Pingdingshan No.10 mine is prone to both coal and gas outbursts. The E9–10 coal seam is the main coal-producing seam but has poor quality ventilation, thus making it relatively difficult for gas extraction. The F15 coal seam, at its lower section, is not prone to coal and gas outbursts. The average seam separation distance of 150 m is greater than the upper limit for underside protective seam mining. Based on borehole imaging technology for field exploration of coal and rock fracture characteristics and discrete element numerical simulation, we have studied the evolution laws and distribution characteristics of the coal and rock fissure field between these two coal seams. By analysis of the influential effect of group F coal mining on the E9–10 coal seam, we have shown that a number of small fissures also develop in the area some 150 m above the overlying strata. The width and number of the fissures also increase with the extent of mining activity. Most of the fissures develop at a low angle or even parallel to the strata. The results show that the mining of the F15 coal seam has the effect of improving the permeability of the E9–10 coal seam.