Potential Optimization Of Pillar Widths In Yufeng Longwall Mine Using ALPS

The purpose of this study is to determine whether analysis of longwall pillar stability(ALPS)method is applicable in the pillar design process of Yufeng coal mine.ALPS method is used to size longwall pillars in America and an adopted version is used in Australia.The method of this thesis used FLAC3 D version 6 for numerical simulations,and ALPS software version 5 for pillar width.The pillar width currently used by Yufeng mine was analyzed through ALPS method to determine whether ALPS method recommends the use of the currently used pillar width.In the results,the currently used pillar width at Yufeng mine was recommended by ALPS method.ALPS software recommended an economic pillar width through its computation.Numerical simulation showed the difference between the pillar width currently in use and the width recommend by ALPS software.In conclusion,the study showed that ALPS method is applicable in Yufeng mine pillar design.ALPS software can be used to optimize Yufeng mine pillar width.ALPS method can be used every mine in China if its database is populated with coal mines of China.There are 72 figures,5 tables,and 68 references.