Similarity model tests of movement and deformation of coal-rock mass below stopes

For a study of the movement and deformation of coal-rock mass and low protected seams below a stope, as well as for fracture developments and rules of evolution of permeability, we designed a plane strain model test stand to carry out model tests of similar materials in order to improve the effect of gas drainage from low protected seams and to measure the movement and deformation of coal-rock mass using a method of non-contact close-range photogrammetry. Our results show that 1) using paraffin melting to take the place of coal seam mining can satisfy the mining conditions of a protective seam; 2) coal-rock mass under goafs has an upward movement after the protective seam has been mined, causing floor heaving; 3) low protected seams become swollen and deformed, providing a good pressure-relief effect and causing the coal-rock mass under both sides of coal pillars to become deformed by compression and 4) the evolution of permeability of low protected seams follows the way of initial values→a slight decrease→a great increase→stability→final decrease. Simultaneously, the coefficient of air permeability increased at a decreasing rate with an increase in interlayer spacing.