A physical and numerical model-based research on the subsidence features of overlying strata caused by coal mining in Henan, China

The major environmental consequence of coal mining is anthropogenic land subsidence. In particular, mine subsidence can cause damage to public and private infrastructure such as railroads, roads, pipelines and buildings. What is more, it is an engineering problem which troubles engineering construction and safety. Ground surface deformation is related to the measure of mining and the deformation mechanism of overlying strata above the gob. In this paper, a physical and numerical model on the subsidence of longwall mining within a geotechnical setting is presented. The physical model is developed within the framework of physical similar law and geological model in Henan Province, China. The numerical solution is developed within continuum poromechanics and finite element setting. The law of overlying strata deformation is obtained according to physical model experiment and numerical simulation.