journal article·2026-02-28Open access

Parameter Optimization and Engineering Effect of Cut-and-Fill Mining Technology

Xiaolei Lv, Zhiqiang Wang, Baowei Meng, Weiping Shi, Yaohua Yv, Changxiang Wang

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 5

Abstract

To address the limitations of existing subsidence control technologies in coal mining, this study systematically investigates the fundamental principles of cut-and-fill mining, the stability mechanism of the filling body, and the influence law of key parameters on mining engineering effects, through a comprehensive research framework integrating theoretical analysis, similar material simulation and numerical simulation. Firstly, the mechanical characteristics of horizontal and diagonal shear failure of gangue pillars are revealed via theoretical derivation. It is clarified that the diagonal stability of the gangue pillar can be guaranteed when its aspect ratio is ≤0.5, and the lateral constraint of metal mesh can effectively enhance its horizontal stability. Secondly, based on a physical model with a size similarity ratio of 1:100, the overburden failure characteristics are obtained: only local cracks appear in the immediate roof and the basic roof presents gentle subsidence after cut-and-fill mining, which directly verifies the effective control effect of this technology on mining-induced overburden movement and surface subsidence. On this basis, multiple sets of orthogonal tests are designed using FLAC3D software (5.0) to analyze the effects of roof cutting width, filling width and coal seam thickness on roof displacement and filling area stress. Combined with grey correlation analysis, it is determined that coal seam thickness is the most critical factor affecting the mining effect, with the correlation coefficients for roof displacement and filling area stress reaching 0.79 and 0.93, respectively. The research shows that the parameter combination of 10 m roof cutting width + 10 m filling width (Group 10-10-X) can achieve the optimal balance between subsidence control efficiency and filling engineering benefit; for working faces with higher requirements for surface subsidence control, the combination of 5 m roof cutting width + 10 m filling width is recommended. The research results clarify the action mechanism of cut-and-fill mining, optimize the key engineering parameters, and provide a solid theoretical basis and technical support for the engineering popularization of this technology and high-precision surface subsidence control.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Rock Mechanics and Modeling · Geomechanics and Mining Engineering · Tailings Management and Properties

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Grid Energy Hami Coal Power Co., Ltd., Dananhu No. 1 Mine, Hami 839000, China

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China

School of Safety Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China

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