Researchers Chunbo Zhao and Wencheng Song have developed two mechanical models to explain how floor water-inrush channels form during deep coal mining above a confined aquifer. Published in Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, the study addresses the increasing probability and intensity of mine water inrush, which currently constrains the sustainable development of deep coal resources. The authors argue that a single mechanical model is insufficient to fully explain the formation of these channels, necessitating a more comprehensive approach that accounts for multiple interacting forces.
The core of the research involves the creation of two distinct mechanical models that integrate strata dip angle, mining pressure, and hydraulic pressure.
To validate the theoretical findings, the team conducted a physical similarity model experiment. This experimental setup was designed to observe floor failure and the development of macroscopic channels above a confined aquifer. The physical similarity model experiment was used to validate the accuracy of the mechanical models.
The study compared the mining-induced failure range and instability zones within the post-mining floor strata to identify potential water-inrush channels. A key finding emerged from the spatial analysis of these zones. Specifically, zones with larger mining-induced failure ranges in the shallow floor were found to spatially coincide with high-risk instability zones in the floor aquifuge.
Vertical connections between these zones were identified as developing into water-inrush channels. The research indicates that these vertical connections preferentially develop into water-inrush channels.
The study also examined the correlation between the characteristics of floor water-inrush channels and the strata dip angle. The locations, formation sequence, and quantity of the channels were found to be correlated with the dip angle of the strata.
The authors note that the relationship between the mining failure range of the shallow floor and the instability zones of the floor aquifuge was established to theoretically elucidate the formation mechanism and differences of water-inrush channels in horizontal and inclined floor strata. The study provides a theoretical reference for optimizing waterproof designs and deploying monitoring systems in deep coal mines.
While the study provides valuable insights into the mechanics of floor water inrush, it is important to note that the findings are based on specific mechanical models and physical similarity experiments.
Subject of Research: Mechanical modeling and experimental verification of floor water-inrush channel formation in deep coal mining.
Article Title: Floor water-inrush channels induced by deep coal mining above a confined aquifer: theoretical analysis and experimental verification
Article References: Zhao, C., & Song, W. (2026). Floor water-inrush channels induced by deep coal mining above a confined aquifer: theoretical analysis and experimental verification. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-026-01245-0
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1007/s40948-026-01245-0
Keywords: deep coal mining, water inrush, confined aquifer, mechanical models, strata dip angle, mining pressure, hydraulic pressure, floor failure, geomechanics, safety monitoring, Floor, water-inrush
News Source: Denise Maddox. (November 9, 2026). Deep Coal Mining Study Maps Floor Water-Inrush Channels. Scienmag.
