Mining-induced damage evolution and infiltration failure in deep mudstone-sandstone interbedded strata
Results in Engineering, 28:107095, 2025.
Summary
Laboratory experiments and numerical modeling are combined to examine how mining changes damage and seepage in deep interbedded mudstone and sandstone. The analysis follows interactions among stress redistribution, fracture development, and permeability, including a case study of the 1304N mining panel. Increasing the sandstone proportion raises initial strength but can accelerate cracking and damage when seepage pressure becomes high. A larger contribution from weak mudstone instead increases deformation and fracture growth, reducing both structural stability and sealing capacity. Interfaces introduce a further tradeoff: tightly bonded contacts transmit stress effectively but concentrate stress and water pressure, whereas weaker contacts can slip or separate and create additional flow paths. These different mechanisms explain why changing either the layer composition or interface properties may increase water-inrush risk. The findings support coupled mechanical and hydraulic assessment of layered coal-mine roofs.