A source generation model for near-field seismic impact of coal fractures in stress concentration zones

Abstract

To study the near-field seismic impact of coal fractures in stress concentration zones, we established a source generation model based on finite dislocation source theory and dynamic fracture mechanics, derived an analytical expression for near-field seismic displacements caused by coal fractures in the zone and numerically computed the resultant near-field seismic displacements within the coal mass. The results show that (1) the larger difference between the vertical and horizontal normal stresses in the stress concentration zone leads to a greater fracture speed, which thereby causes a stronger seismic impact; (2) the P-wave component in the near-field seismic displacements mainly impacts on the middle of the roadway, while the SH- and SV wave components mainly affect the junctions between the roadway and both the roof and the floor, and the damage caused by the SH- and SV waves within the coal mass is more significant than that caused by the P-waves; and (3) the effective way to mitigate the seismic impact induced by coal fractures in stress concentration zones is to reduce the difference between the vertical and horizontal normal stresses as far as possible. It is hoped that this study will provide a better understanding of the seismic impacts induced by coal fractures in stress concentration zones and thus help engineers to discover ways to prevent roadway failure.