Thicker roofs prevent dangerous ground pressure in coal mines, saving lives.
By studying coal mines in the Ordos area, it was found that the thickness of the immediate roof affects how the ground pushes on the strata below. Thicker roofs create stable structures, while thinner roofs make the pressure more severe. The researchers used 3D and 2D models of real conditions to analyze these effects. They discovered that a thicker roof causes a stronger support structure called a "Voussoir Beam," reducing the pressure. In contrast, a thin roof leads to a weaker "Cantilever Beam" structure, increasing pressure. This insight helps miners understand how different roof thicknesses can impact the stability and pressure in mining operations.