The researchers studied how fractures in weakly cemented overburden affect water flow in underground mines. They used physical tests, computer simulations, and theoretical analysis to predict the height of these fractures. The main findings were that the fractures reached a depth of 246.38 meters, but did not fully penetrate the key stratum. The predicted height closely matched the actual measurement of 229.32 meters. This research can help improve safety in mining areas with weakly cemented overburden in western China.