Numerical modelling of multistage caving processes: insights from multi‐seam longwall mining‐induced subsidence

Summary Evaluating the induced subsidence is a critical step in multi‐seam longwall mining. Numerical modelling can be a cost‐effective approach to this problem. Numerical evaluation of longwall mining‐induced subsidence is much more complicated when more than one seam is to be extracted. Only a few research works have dealt with this problem. This paper discusses the essential requirements of a robust numerical modelling approach to simulation of multi‐seam longwall mining‐induced subsidence. In light of these requirements, the previous works on this topic are critically reviewed. A simple yet robust FEM‐based modelling approach is also proposed that is capable of simulating caving process, rock mass deterioration and subsidence around multi‐seam excavations. The effectiveness of this approach in comparison with two other conventional FEM approaches is demonstrated through numerical examples of two different multi‐seam mining configurations. Results show that the proposed numerical modelling approach is the only robust method, which is capable of simulating multi‐seam subsidence in both demonstrated cases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.