Purpose. To substantiate the parameters of computer modeling of the mining area with a step-by-step movement of the working face, as well as taking into account the changing presence of sandstones that lie in the top of the reservoir, to predict the effect of sandstones on the nature of the distribution of convergence in the longwall and the technology of working excavation in the conditions of the mines of Western Donbass. Methods. The work uses a statistical analysis of the geological and technological conditions that are inherent in the coal mining enterprises of the Western Donbass. Also, a comparison was made of the parameters of the experiment of computer modeling of past studies, on the basis of which, a combination of new features was introduced and changed, which is aimed at choosing the optimal modeling parameters. Results. The substantiation of the parameters of the modeling experiment is presented, such as: the choice of the length of the working face, the depth of development of coal seams, the distance of the working face withdrawal from the assembly chamber, the values of the thickness of sandstones that lie in the roof of the coal seams, the choice of values of the distance of occurrence of sandstones above the roof of the coal seam, as well as geometric parameters of the computer model. Based on the justification of the parameters, a plan for conducting experiments was drawn up, the number of which was 225 units. Scientific novelty. As a result of the substantiation of the parameters, an additional combination of new features in existing studies was proposed for the first time, namely, to include in the experiment the presence of coal seams in the top – sandstones with variable thickness, the distance of occurrence above the seam, several standard sizes of the length of the working face were also included, the value of the development depth, the distance of the exit of the working face from the assembly chamber. Changing the above parameters will make it possible to compare the difference in the effect of the results of each experiment separately, depending on the change in each of the parameters, as well as to understand and generalize the idea of the nature and causes of emergency longwall stops associated with the landing of powered support sections “on a hard base”. Practical significance. Substantiated modeling parameters make it possible to most adequately reflect the processes occurring in the rock mass, as well as to clarify the parameters of the reference rock pressure zones, unloading zones, as well as the nature of the change in the distribution of convergence in the longwall. The data obtained as a result of modeling can be used to select and substantiate an effective method for managing the state of the rock mass around the working excavation, which will eliminate the planting of powered support sections “on a hard base”, thereby increasing the efficiency of coal mining in the Western Donbass.
Application of Three-Dimensional Geological Modelling in Coal Mining