Study on Cross Main Tunnel Mining Next to Large Fault Structure

Fault structure cut continuity of coal seam, inducing rock burst accident and mine water disaster easily, which bring serious threat to coal resources mining. Working face layout is very important, when next to fault structure and cross main tunnel mining. Based on a mining technical problem in Hongqi coal mine (Jining China), which 3161 working face next to large normal fault F6-2 and cross main tunnel mining, using methods of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to study the above technical problem. Main research works are as follows: (1) With theory of mining stress distribution, calculate the minimum safety rock pillar thickness, and contrast with the thickness of floor strata, determine feasibility of cross main tunnel mining. (2) According to elastic–plastic failure theory of coal pillar, determine the critical width of coal pillar to keep stable. (3) Using FLAC 3D to establish numerical model of 3161 working face mining, analyze distribution and evolution of mining stress. Research results could give a guidance to cross main tunnel mining next to fault structure.