Safer Coal Mining Unlocked: Minimum Seam Spacing Discovered for Roof Bolting
The study aimed to figure out how close-coal mining affects roof bolting in underground tunnels. Researchers looked at a tunnel in China's Chaili Coal Mine to see the least space needed between layers for secure roof bolting. They used theory, pull-out bolt tests, and computer models to find out. Results showed that the maximum floor depth at risk was 3.2-3.3 meters. They found that a seam spacing of at least 6 meters is needed for safe roof bolting. When the spacing was 6 meters, the test bolt could handle a force of over 30 kilonewtons. These findings help operators choose better roof bolting designs for similar coal mine conditions.